New satellite imagery appears to show preparations beginning for a long-range rocket launch in North Korea despite international objections.

The image from a privately operated satellite was taken on Wednesday of the Tongchang-ri site where North Korea says it plans to launch the rocket between April 12 and 16.

March 28, 2012, satellite image shows North Korea's Tongchang-ri launch facility. The image appears to show preparations for a long-range rocket launch, despite international objections. Credit:AP/DigitalGlobe

An analysis conducted for the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies says the image shows trucks and fuel tanks outside two large buildings that would be used to store propellant for the rocket.

It also shows work under way at a gantry tower next to a mobile launch pad, with a crane being used to load equipment. The rocket itself is not yet visible.