The satellite is presumed to weigh 200 kilograms, two times heavier than a satellite launched in 2012, the lawmakers said after being briefed in a close-door session by the National Intelligence Service.
A satellite weighing about 200 kilograms "is worthless as a satellite," Lee Cheol-woo of the ruling Saenuri Party said, noting a proper satellite usually weighs at least 800 to 1,500 kilograms.
Lee said South Korea presumed that North Korea has introduced key parts of a long-range missile from Russia, though he provided no further details.
The North's missile launch came a month after it carried out its fourth nuclear test. The UN Security Council has been working on a resolution for sanctions on the communist country.
Lee also said North Korea is preparing to conduct a fifth nuclear test at any time.
YNA/MNA
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