North Korea announces successful launch of satellite
PUBLISHED Sat, February 06, 2016 - 11:34pm EST
Credit: KCTV
North Korea has announced that a long-range rocket has successfully put an Earth observation satellite into orbit, just a month after the reclusive country carried out its fourth nuclear test. The launch is certain to heighten tensions on the Korean peninsula. (more)
The announcement was made at noon local time during a special news broadcast on state-run television, just two hours after foreign governments reported the launch of a long-range missile. Japan, which earlier said it could shoot down the missile, did not act on its threat.
In a written statement released just after noon, North Korea's Aerospace Development Administration said the Earth observation satellite, which has been called Kwangmyongsong-4, was successfully put into Earth's orbit after blasting off on a Kwangmyongsong rocket.
The launch took place at 9 a.m. local time at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station on North Korea's west coast, and the National Aerospace Development Administration said it took just 9 minutes and 46 seconds for the satellite to enter its preset orbit.
But despite North Korea's claim that it only launched a satellite, members of the international community have denounced the move as a long-range missile test in disguise, much like the December 2012 launch of a weather satellite that was equally condemned.
In Sunday's statement, however, North Korea claimed that it was "legitimately exercising the right to use space for independent and peaceful purposes." It also pledged to launch more satellites in the future, despite UN Security Council resolutions that demand North Korea does not conduct any launches using ballistic missile technology.
North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration has released the following statement, announcing the launch of a long-range missile that it says successfully put a satellite into orbit. The satellite has been named Kwangmyongsong-4. Read More
North Korea's state-run media is set to make an announcement at 12 p.m. local time (10:30 p.m. ET) after the country launched a long-range missile carrying a satellite. Anchor Ri Chun Hee of Korean Central Television will make the announcement in Korean.
North Korea has launched a long-range ballistic missile carrying an Earth observation satellite, but members of the international community have denounced the move as a long-range missile test in disguise. There are reports that the launch may have failed. (more) Read More