Satellite imagery released in July 2025 has confirmed the completion of a new maritime pier at North Korea's Sohae Satellite Launching Station, located in Cholsan, North Pyongan province. The development, visible through images captured by Planet Labs and verified by Finnish satellite company ICEYE, marks a significant upgrade in the country’s rocket transport and launch capabilities.
The new pier includes a jetty and moored vessels, signaling that it is now fully operational. Analysts suggest this new infrastructure will enable the transport of larger rocket components by sea, surpassing the limitations of previous rail-based logistics. This expansion is seen as part of a broader modernization plan initiated by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2022 to transform the Sohae site into a hub capable of supporting satellite launches and missile testing.
Construction of the pier began in late 2022 and took approximately 28 months to complete. Recent satellite data also points to increased activity across the launch site. Evidence of engine test burns, newly paved roads, and expanded rail infrastructure indicate preparations for further testing or launches. In June 2025, satellite imagery detected signs of engine testing beneath the vertical engine test stand and modifications to nearby parking areas.
The upgrades come as North Korea pushes forward with its military satellite program. After successfully launching its first spy satellite in November 2023, the country attempted another launch in May 2024. Although that mission reportedly failed, Kim Jong Un has expressed continued commitment to advancing space-based reconnaissance capabilities, which are seen as essential to the country’s defense strategy.
Observers have long warned of the overlap between satellite launch technology and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development. The new pier and its logistical advantages could support the deployment of longer-range missiles with heavier payloads, potentially enhancing North Korea's strategic military reach. U.S. and South Korean intelligence agencies have raised concerns about this crossover, suggesting it could lead to renewed tensions in the region.
There is also growing speculation that North Korea's recent advancements may be supported by Russian technical assistance, particularly in light of deepening ties between the two nations. Some analysts believe cooperation may have expanded in exchange for North Korean support in other geopolitical arenas, such as the war in Ukraine.
As North Korea continues to expand and modernize its Sohae launch facility, the international community is expected to closely monitor developments, particularly any signs of upcoming launches, further engine tests, or foreign involvement. The new maritime pier has added a new dimension to North Korea’s launch strategy, potentially opening the door for more ambitious and far-reaching space and missile activities.