Mystery at Yongbyon: North Korea’s reactor hides its heat from satellites

2026-02-12 - 23:16

Satellite thermal data show that North Korea’s 5MWe reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear complex is registering surface temperatures far colder than its surroundings, even while the facility remains in operation — an anomaly that may reflect a deliberate effort to defeat infrared monitoring. The unusual thermal pattern has persisted since North Korea completed an exterior renovation of the reactor... Source