North Korea appears to be preparing to launch its second military spy satellite into space, South Korea’s military said on Friday, as animosities remain high over the North’s continued weapons tests. Last November, North Korea placed its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit as part of its efforts to build a space-based surveillance network to deal with what it calls US-led military threats.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later told a key governing party meeting that his country would launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024. On Friday, South Korea’s military told local reporters at a background briefing that it detected signs that North Korea is engaging in activities believed to be preparations to launch a spy satellite at its main Tongchangri launch facility in the northwest. The military said South Korean and US intelligence authorities are closely monitoring the North Korean moves.