North Korean officials have expressed their determination to make a second attempt at launching a spy satellite after their initial effort failed. They described the failed launch as the most significant setback of the year and criticized those responsible. The three-day ruling party meeting, which included leader Kim Jong Un and other top officials, focused on the failed launch and North Korean efforts to modernize their weapons arsenal. The meeting report did not specify who spoke, but it strongly criticized the officials responsible for the launch preparations. The report outlined tasks for officials and scientists to learn from the failure, determine the cause of the crash, and achieve a successful launch in a short amount of time. The report did not reveal a specific timeline for the second launch attempt, but South Korea’s spy agency estimated it would take several weeks to assess the reasons for the failure. Monitoring groups have not reported any purges or dismissals of individuals involved in the failed launch. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly pledged to acquire a spy satellite along with other high-tech military assets. The meeting also addressed the deteriorating security situation in the region caused by the actions of North Korea’s rivals, which likely refers to the expanded U.S.-South Korea military drills. The United States and South Korea have warned that any attempt to use nuclear weapons would result in the end of Kim’s regime. The meeting also emphasized strengthening solidarity with countries opposed to the U.S.’s pursuit of world supremacy. North Korea has sought to improve relations with Russia and China, who have both blocked attempts to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea. The meeting also discussed efforts to improve the country’s struggling economy, highlighting progress in agriculture, metal and chemical industries, and construction projects in Pyongyang. However, due to the secretive nature of North Korea, verifying these claims is challenging. It was not confirmed whether Kim delivered a speech during the party meeting, which was commented on as unusual by South Korea’s Unification Ministry spokesperson.