North Korea seems to have finished preparations for the launch of its second reconnaissance satellite, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency has reported, quoting a government source.
A joint assessment by South Korea and the United States shows "it is possible the launch will take place this week given the ongoing maintenance of facilities" at a new launch site in Tongchang-ri in North Korea's northwest, the source was quoted as saying in the report Sunday.
The launch is likely to coincide with a major North Korean political event scheduled for this month, the source added.
South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won Sik said last week the satellite launch is expected to take place in mid-April if technical preparations are complete, adding Pyongyang will probably try to launch it Monday, the birthday of its founder Kim Il Sung, grandfather of the current leader Kim Jong Un.
Pyongyang launched its first reconnaissance satellite in November and has since unveiled plans to launch three more this year.
Related coverage:
North Korea fires ballistic missile, lands outside Japan's EEZ
North Korea's Kim visits major army base amid U.S.-South Korea exercise
North Korean spy satellite apparently not working: S. Korea
