NORTH Korea looks as though it is gearing up for another nuclear test as satellite imagery reveals activity on a second submersible ballistic missile test stand barge for a nuclear submarine.
This barge supports the development of the Pukguksong-1 SLBM and the SINPO-Class experimental ballistic missile submarine.
The fitting-out dock is for when vessels need systems such as pumps or electrics to be installed and minor work to be completed before being placed into service.
Since the last set of images were taken in December, the barge now has a small floating crane moored alongside it.
The purpose of the work is unclear, but it is probably related to final stages of repair before declaring the barge operational.
It comes as a nuclear scientist who has frequently visited North Korea warned that the nation could have an atomic bomb capable of fitting onto a missile.