North Korea Rocket Launch a Success

Pyongyang defies warnings to launch long-range rocket
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 11, 2012 7:58 PM CST
Updated Dec 12, 2012 2:29 AM CST
North Korea Fires Long-Range Rocket: South
South Korean protesters hold a rally in Seoul denouncing North Korea's rocket launch.   (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

So much for that delay. North Korea successfully fired a long-range rocket today, defying international warnings as the regime of Kim Jong Un took a giant step forward in its quest to develop the technology to deliver a nuclear warhead. The United States, South Korea, and Japan quickly condemned the morning launch, which came as something of a surprise after Pyongyang had indicated technical problems might delay it. That it succeeded after several failed attempts was an even greater surprise.

About two hours after the launch, North Korea's state media proclaimed it a success, prompting celebrations in Pyongyang. NORAD later confirmed that North Korea did appear to have put an object into space. The regime's stated purpose for firing its long-range Unha-3 rocket was to put a peaceful satellite into orbit, but the United Nations, as well as the US and its allies, see it as cover for a test of technology for missiles. The launch, which comes just days before South Korea's presidential election, is likely to bring fresh sanctions on the North, (More North Korea stories.)

Get breaking news in your inbox.
What you need to know, as soon as we know it.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X