South Korea's intelligence agency says North Korea is believed to be finalizing preparations to launch what it calls a military reconnaissance satellite, following failed attempts in May and August.

After the second attempt, Pyongyang announced that it would try again in October. But the third launch has not happened.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service provided its analysis on the matter to the parliamentary intelligence committee on Wednesday.

According to a member of the committee, the intelligence agency told lawmakers the North is apparently in the middle of the final stage of preparations, such as checking the engine and launch systems.

The committee member says the agency reported the North appears to have received technological assistance from Russia and the possibility of success could be higher.

On Tuesday, South Korean newspaper The Dong-A Ilbo reported that US and South Korean officials recently detected moves to transport liquid fuel at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in the northwestern part of North Korea. The report said the officials believe this suggests that several combustion tests may have been held.

In Wednesday's briefing, South Korea's intelligence agency also reportedly said the North is believed to have sent more than 1 million artillery rounds and other weapons to Russia in over 10 shipments using Russian vessels and aircraft since early August.

The agency reportedly said it obtained intelligence that Pyongyang sent a delegate of rocket launcher experts to Russia around mid-October.