Tags: North Korea, Satellite Launch, Unha-3
Publication: WashingtonPost.com
Publication Date: 12/12/2012
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A screen at the satellite control centre in Cholsan county, North Pyongan province shows the Unha-3 (Milky Way 3) rocket being launched.
Image credit: YTN
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After past failures and international pressure, North Korea has launched its first satellite into space. Previous reports indicated that the launch was postponed but the Korean nation surprised the world with this successful launch.
While the Unha-3 rocket did not carry a warhead, the technology used is similar to that of a long-range missile. The United States and its allies are convinced that the launch was a test for an intercontinental ballistic missile, which violates U.N. Security Council resolutions.
According to reports, North Korea has been investing heavily in weapon development for the past 14 years. However, North Korea has stated that its satellite program’s goal is space research, permissible under the international space treaty.
The country has had four previous long-range rocket and missile tests, three of which were allegedly meant to place satellites into orbit. Its last launch attempt in April ended in explosion after only 90 seconds.
This first success for North Korea launched on Wednesday, Dec. 12, placed the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite into orbit after nine minutes and 27 seconds after liftoff. The spacecraft has already been detected by international tracking systems.
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