Satellite image shows activity at North Korea launch site

Security Clearance

November 26th, 2012

07:59 PM ET

By Adam Levine

A new satellite image shows increased activity at a North Korean launch site, suggesting a new launch could be possible in the next few weeks, according to the satellite imagery company DigitalGlobe.

The United States has seen activity on the launch pad but does not believe a launch is imminent, U.S. military sources tell CNN's Barbara Starr.

The image at North Korea's Sohae satellite launch station was taken on November 23 and shows similar preparations as was witnessed ahead of the failed April 13 attempt to launch a satellite on top of a long-range missile, the DigitalGlobe analysis concludes.

"Given the observed level of activity noted of a new tent, trucks, people and numerous portable fuel/oxidizer tanks, should North Korea desire - it could possibly conduct its fifth satellite launch event during the next three weeks," according to the analysis provided to CNN.

No rocket is visible on the launch pad.

The United States has yet to see a missile on the launch pad, said one of the sources, speaking on the condition no name was used because the source was not authorized to speak to the media about U.S. intelligence on North Korea.

The source added that if there was a launch, it would likely be a long-range missile like the Taepodong-2 because the Sohae site is a long-range missile launch pad.