38 North:

This article demonstrates the use of commercially available Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery from satellites as a tool to augment electro-optical (EO) multispectral and panchromatic satellite imagery typically used for analysis. While concealed to visible imaging satellites, recent SAR imagery revealed the presence of the North Korean SINPO-class experimental ballistic missile submarine (SSBA) and its submersible test stand barge positioned beneath a recently constructed, dockside awning designed to conceal and environmentally protect these vessels.

The secure boat basin at the North Korean Sinpo South Shipyard is where the experimental submarine and its submersible launch barge are usually docked. When present, these vessels had been readily visible to imaging satellites until a linear awning was erected along the quay, covering their normal berthing positions, thus frequently obscuring their presence or absence. Figure 1 shows the varying effectiveness of that awning. Sized to accommodate both the submarine and the launch barge, the awning can block the vessels from the prying eyes of the usual imaging satellites. December 14, 2019 is an exemplar, however, the direction and angle of the image taken January 1, 2020 renders the submarine, launch barge and midget submarine discernible. EO satellites collect imagery close to nadir, but their viewing perspective will vary depending on direction and angle, while SAR satellites image from the side.

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