Satellite imagery shows NKorea completes dome atop nuclear reactor under construction

SEOUL, South Korea – An analyst says a recent satellite image shows North Korea has completed a key step in the construction of a light-water reactor at its main nuclear complex.

North Korea says the reactor being built at its Yongbyon complex since 2010 is for electricity generation. But some experts have questioned the North’s intention as the reactor would give the country a reason to enrich uranium that can be used in nuclear bombs.

Allison Puccioni at IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly said in a statement Tuesday the imagery taken by the GeoEye-1 satellite Aug. 6 showed a dome had been hoisted atop the reactor building.

She says it may take several more years for the facility to be brought into full operation.

North Korea has vowed to bolster its nuclear capability.