<span style="color: #222222;">North Korea has performed data transmission and other key tests needed to develop a spy satellite. The North's Korean Central News Agency said today that it conducted another important test on Saturday under its plan to develop a reconnaissance satellite. It said authorities tested the satellite's data transmission and reception system and its ground-based control systems.<br />'' <br />''<br />''The moves come as North Korea has been carrying out a spate of ballistic missile launches – including one detected by South Korea this week.  To operate a reconnaissance satellite, North Korea must launch a long-range rocket to put it into orbit. But the U.N. bans such a launch by North Korea because it considers that as a cover for testing its long-range missile technology. North Korea put its first and second Earth observation satellites into orbit in 2012 and 2016.  Those satellite launches are believed to have contributed to North Korea's missile development program.</span><br />