North Korea appears to have conducted a rocket engine test recently at the Sohae Satellite Launching Grounds, as indicated by satellite imagery analyzed by NK Pro. The imagery from Planet Labs and Sentinel-2 suggests the test occurred at the vertical engine test stand between June 21 and June 22, following a failed attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite on May 27. This activity coincides with a newly signed space program cooperation agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Newly burnt vegetation visible in the satellite images further supports the likelihood of this test, signaling preparations for another satellite launch attempt.
In separate developments, Anton De Pasquale participated in a test day at Ipswich’s Queensland Raceway to refine parts before Ford and General Motors ship their engines from Australia to the US. The test day on Wednesday also included a new tyre test, involving the sister DJR car running a new compound.