The spy satellite's cameras were tested at Sunday's launch, North Korea said

 Photo of the Korean Peninsula taken by observation satellite camera, February 26, 2022 / Reuters

North Korea indicated on Sunday that it had conducted a low-level test for a planned surveillance satellite, raising concerns that the country was testing more important long-range missiles.

North Korean news agency (KCNA) reported on Monday that "this crucial test confirmed the quality of the high-resolution camera system that will be replaced by the satellite, the information system, the attitude control and its proper performance." The test was a "significant test" under the auspices of North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration and the Academy of Defense Sciences.

The South Korean and Japanese military said Sunday's launch was North Korea's eighth test this year and the first since the Beijing Olympics. They said it was probably a ballistic missile test.

The United States has condemned North Korea's latest satellite launch in February 2016, calling it a long-range missile test by South Korea and Japan.

After Sunday's launch, Sung Kim, the US special envoy for North Korea, reiterated in a telephone call to his South Korean and Japanese counterparts the common goal of solidarity and complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The State Department said Special Envoy Kim condemned the launch, which violated various UN Security Council resolutions and now poses a serious threat to regional stability. At the same time, however, he reiterated his readiness to engage with North Korea in "serious and sustainable diplomacy."