North Korea announces strikemissile test/strike sat launch
North Korea is preparing for a further test of its long-range ballistic missile the Taepodong-2, according to reports. The missile design is thought capable of reaching parts of the United States, though it has not yet achieved a successful trial.
The Guardian reports that Pyongyang has issued a statement claiming that preparations for a satellite launch are well advanced. Satellite launch rockets and intercontinental ballistic missiles are very similar technology, differing only in details, and such statements are standard diplomatic procedure.
"Full-fledged preparations are under way to launch the pilot communications satellite, Kwangmyongsong No 2" according to the Northern government-run Korean Central News Agency. The launch site given was Hwadae, the facility from which the Taepodong-2 was previously tested in 2006. On that occasion the rocket failed catastrophically 40 seconds into flight, ending up in the ocean.
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