THE LETTERING ON the electronic sign reads ‘Welcome To The General Satellite Control Centre!’ and technicians work industriously at terminals.

This is the nerve centre of North Korea’s rocket launch operation, which is stoking tensions across the region as neighbouring countries warn of the consequences if the long-range rocket strays into their territory.

The Pyongyang regime has regularly seized opportunities to display its technological advancement to the world, for example releasing photos of students using desktop computers.

And it allowed journalists in to photograph and film its General Launch Command Centre outside Pyongyang – which looks like a throwback to another age of space travel. Here’s a peek inside:

In pictures: Welcome to the North Korean space control centre!

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Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre
Inside the North Korean space centre

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Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

Inside the North Korean space centre

More: North Korea begins fuelling rocket ahead of planned launch>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

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