Despite facing a host of UN and other sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes, North Korea earlier this year re-started testing of short-range ballistic missiles.

And earlier this week it renewed verbal attacks on Mr Trump for the first time in over a year after he said the US reserved the right to use military force against the country.

Analysts believe that North Korea could launch a satellite if it does not obtain concessions from the US. This would allow it to test and show off its rocket capabilities in a less provocative way than launching a long-range ballistic missile.