Yonhap news agency reported on May 17 that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter inspected the country's first spy satellite and gave the green light for the next action plan.

The leader met with the Non-Permanent Satellite Launch Preparatory Committee a day earlier to inspect the overall condition of the spy satellite and approve a "future action plan," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"After learning the details of the committee's work, he inspected the No. 1 military reconnaissance satellite, which is now ready for installation after undergoing a final overall inspection and space environment test," the news agency reported.

Mr. Kim stressed that the successful launch of the satellite was an "urgent requirement" in the current security environment and a process of "strengthening defense capabilities on a top priority basis."

The leader said that the more the US and South Korea escalate confrontational moves, the more North Korea will exercise its right to self-defense as a deterrent.

KCNA did not provide details on the “future action plan,” including a specific launch date. Experts say North Korea will likely adjust the ideal launch timing, taking into account weather conditions and major political events.

Photos showed his daughter Ju-ae accompanying Kim on the inspection tour, his first public appearance since visiting the space development agency on April 18, when he announced that North Korea had completed its first military reconnaissance satellite.

In December 2022, Pyongyang said it had conducted a "crucial final stage" test at its rocket launch facility to develop its first spy satellite, among key weapons projects the leader announced at a Workers' Party meeting in January 2021.