North Korea fires a missile off its eastern coast on December 18, 2022. (Photo: Reuters)

KCNA reported on Monday that North Korea’s National Aerospace Development Administration conducted the test on Sunday at the country’s Sohae satellite launching station in North Pyongan province.

An unnamed North Korean aerospace spokesperson said in the KCNA dispatch that a rocket carrying what was described as a “test-piece satellite” — with multiple cameras, image transmitters and receivers, a control device and a storage battery — was launched at a “lofted angle” to an altitude of 500km.

According to KCNA, the test was designed to review satellite imaging capabilities, data transmission, and a ground control system.

North Korea plans to complete preparations for the first military reconnaissance by April, 2023, the official said.