North Korea Yongbyon Nuclear Site 2006/2010- Satellite Images

History of Yongbyon:

A "freeze" was ordered by inspectors from the IAEA in July of 2007 on North Korea's main source of plutonium, the 5 megawatt electric reactor (destroyed June 27, 2008) at the Yongbyon nuclear site and its nearby plutonium separation plant, the Radiochemical Laboratory (see associated Images). This freeze was ordered under the "Agreed Framework" with the United States. The nuclear site will be monitored through satellite images, surveillance cameras and short notice inspections to assure that there will be no activities within the site.

Construction of the gas-graphite reactor began in 1980. It is believed to have been made operational in 1986-1987. The 5 megawatt-electric reactor (destroyed June 2007) was estimated to produce about 5-7 kilograms of plutonium each year for North Korea a total estimated plutonium stock of between 46kg and 64kg, of which about 28-50 kg is estimated to be in separated form and usable in nuclear weapons. In 1989, high altitude aerial photographs showed the presence in Yongbyon of a structure which could possibly be used to separate plutonium from nuclear fuel. Between 1994 and 2003, North Korea's stock of separated plutonium was enough to create 4 to 13 nuclear weapons.

Before Yongbyon was shut down, international observers tried to determine when the reactor was in use by analyzing satellite images which showed steam plumes coming from the cooling tower.

To view high resolution satellite imagery and to watch a 3D simulation model video visit here - http://news.satimagingcorp.com/2007/10/north_korea_nuclear_facilities_-_yongb...

Unclassified reports were confirmed by satellite images which indicated that North Korea shut down the reactor in April 2005, likely to unload the fuel. The reactor's core was estimated to have contained 10-15 kilograms of plutonium.

IAEA inspectors regularly monitored the 5-MW (e) reactor, the fuel fabrication plant, and the reprocessing plant. IAEA uses all technical means available to monitor the freeze at these facilities. Newly acquired Mono and Stereo Satellite images continue to support the monitoring of the site for any significant construction activities. Due to long inactivity period and weather issues the completion of the reactor would likely take several years. If finished, the 50 megawatt-electric reactor could produce enough plutonium annually for roughly ten nuclear weapons.

To view more satellite imagery and a 3D Simulation Model on North Korea's nuclear site visit here - http://www.satimagingcorp.com/svc/defense_mapping.html

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Science & Technology

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[kamalchambal]

thats good.