According to reports, North Korea is constructing a satellite launch pad with “new urgency” in the wake of newly imposed sanctions on the country. Satellite images obtained by the website 38 North show significant developments at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, located in the northwestern part of the country. Construction appears to have begun in early August and technicians and equipment are now in place, suggesting that the site could be used for a launch in the coming weeks or months. It is unclear whether the construction is related to North Korea’s stated plans to launch a long-range satellite, which has been seen by many countries as a cover for a ballistic missile test. However, it follows a move by the United Nations last week to impose further sanctions on North Korea in response to its recent nuclear and missile tests.