July 29, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Despite the goal of advancing denuclearization of the Korean peninsula through leader-to-leader exchanges in 2018 and 2019, thermal infrared (TIR) imagery of the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Center around the summit dates reveals limited impact on Yongbyon’s overall operational status.
June 27, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Part 3 of this series builds upon the methodology and findings presented in Part 1, offering a deeper dive into the operational nuances of the Radiochemistry Lab and the centrifuge plant... Thermal infrared (TIR) analysis via LANDSAT 8 and 9 imagery over two years provides key…
June 26, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Part 2 of this series builds upon the methodology and findings presented in Part 1, offering a deeper dive into the operational nuances of the 5MWe Reactor and the Experimental Light Water Reactor... Closeup of normalized land surface temperature calculated from daytime LANDSAT 8 TIR image taken July…
June 17, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
TIR (TIR) analysis via LANDSAT 8 and 9 imagery over two years provides key insights into Yongbyon nuclear facilities' operations, highlighting the intricate strengths and limitations of thermal imagery for operational assessment... Overview of the normalized land surface temperature calculated from daytime LANDSAT 8 thermal infrared (TIR)…
April 10, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Recent satellite image of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility indicates that North Korea continues to be committed to maintaining the general health of the facility... This April 2, 2024, image of the area around the new portal to Tunnel No.…
January 23, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
The first open-source analysis of declassified satellite imagery suggests that the construction of North Korea's Punggye-ri Nuclear Testing Facility started as early as 1985 to 1986... The SPOT 1 satellite image from September 23, 1987, shows the Punggye-ri Nuclear Testing Facility…
January 18, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Satellite image of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility acquired on January 16, 2024, shows activity which indicates continued commitment for maintenance of the construction achieved in 2023... The Main Administrative and Support Area as seen on January 16, 2024. The courtyard has…
August 17, 2023, by Theodore Postol—
Russia's multi-warhead intercontinental ballistic missile…
June 27, 2023, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Recent satellite imagery of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility shows minor activity at the main administration area and no new activity at the tunnels. However, preparations at Tunnel No. 3 are considered to have long been completed. .. Close up view of the portal to Tunnel No. 3, June 19, 2023. No significant…
May 4, 2023, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Recent satellite imagery shows new activity at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility, including the completion of road construction and new structures by the collapsed portal of Tunnel No. 4... Close up view of the road and two new buildings outside of the collapsed portal…
