Chilling pictures from North Korea show a new missile launch - which the country has claimed was a satellite photography test.
It reached heights of 390 miles (620km) before crashing into the Sea of Japan. It also travelled up to 190 miles (300km).
But officials from the state have denied any wrongdoing, insisting the pictures were testing reconnaissance satellite technology for taking photographs from space.
Two photos taken from the projectile, which blasted off last Sunday, show the Korean peninsula as seen from high above the Earth.
A government spokesperson said: " The test helped confirm the characteristics and working accuracy of a high definition photographing system, data transmission system and altitude control devices."
“It did this by conducting vertical and oblique photographing of a specific area on Earth with cameras to be loaded on the reconnaissance satellite.
"The test is of great significance in developing the reconnaissance satellite.”
The launch has been condemned by the US, Britain and Japan.
Analyst Jason Bogle said: "“The problem is that the technology used in peaceful space exploration and in ballistic missile development can be very similar.
“This makes it difficult to judge whether or not certain tests are part of a legitimate space programme or merely a cover to test new missile technologies.
“North Korea’s space programme is routinely furthering its missile programme.
“Indeed, the platform of the camera test was likely a ballistic missile, just as the previous test on January 30 was."
Mr Bogle, who has studied North Korea in detail using satellite photos, revealed that even a rocket launched with peaceful intentions could aid missile development.
He adds: " North Korea is open about the fact its launch on January 30 was a Hwasong-12 intermediate range ballistic missile – its longest-range projectile tested since 2017.
"That launch also carried a camera, apparently fitted into the nose cone of the missile."
"“So was an earlier submarine-launched missile test back in 2019 that also carried a camera."
“The camera was likely mounted inside of a reentry vehicle".
“And if they were able to direct the camera around, and it survived more than a minute or two, then the test was a success.
“Unfortunately, there is considerable dual-use overlap between space and missiles in this case."
