Post-Test Analysis of Punggye-Ri: What a Difference a Few Days Make

Post-Test Analysis of Punggye-Ri: What a Difference a Few Days Make 

 

A 38 North exclusive, with analysis by Jack Liu and Nick Hansen. 

 

by 38north

Post Published: 20 February 2013

 

Commercial satellite imagery of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility taken at intervals of one and three days after North Korea's third nuclear detonation provides an interesting glimpse of the post-test activity. Press reports indicated that the test site had been evacuated on February 8.

 

While there was no visible vehicular or human movement in the area one day after the blast, perhaps to ensure that the levels of radioactivity at the site were safe, the area was active by February 15. (Some of the differences between the two images may also be the result of melting snow that had fallen on February 13.) 

- Click Image -

 

It remains unclear whether renewed activity at the site is normal for the days after a nuclear detonation or if it is an indication of Pyongyang's intention to conduct another test in the near future. It is also unclear whether Pyongyang will be in a position to conduct such a test.

 

If a second tunnel at the northern area (West Portal) was used to conduct the third nuclear detonation as some suspect, and this is not yet proven, then the southern tunnel would be readily available for a fourth test.

 

Source: 38north.org

 

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