Posted on 09/14/2015 9:25:36 PM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
(3rd LD) N. Korea vows to launch rocket
2015/09/15 01:17
(ATTN: UPDATES with US reaction; ADDS to dateline)
SEOUL/WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Monday that it plans to launch a rocket at a time of its choosing as it has the right to conduct space research, cementing speculation over a provocation by the country near its key anniversary.
North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration "is pushing forward in the final phase the development of a new earth observation satellite for weather forecast," the Korean Central News Agency said.
"The world will clearly see a series of satellites of (North) Korea soaring into the sky at the times and locations determined by the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea," the KCNA reported in an English statement, without elaborating.
The report came amid growing speculation that the North is expected to launch a long-range missile around Oct. 10, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party.
The North has claimed it has the right to conduct space research by test-firing what it called rockets, which outside analysts view as a cover for missile tests.
"Space development for peaceful purposes is a sovereign state's legitimate right recognized by international law and the Party and the people of the DPRK are fully determined to exercise this right no matter what others may say about it," the KCNA said.
The DPRK is the acronym of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
In Washington, the State Department said it is aware of the North's statement, but declined any further comment.
"We have seen the statement. We will not speculate on the timing of the statement, or any possible provocative actions by the DPRK (North Korea)," State Department spokesperson Anna Richey-Allen said in comments sent to Yonhap News Agency.
The North's missile and nuclear programs have flared up tension on the Korean Peninsula amid concerns that it may soon develop the technology to mount a nuclear warhead on long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
South Korea's defense ministry said in a report to the National Assembly last week that there is a possibility that the North could fire a missile to commemorate the anniversary as it is currently finishing construction at its rocket launch facility in Dongchang-ri on its west coast border.
In recent satellite imagery, a new 67-meter-tall gantry has been spotted on the site, which experts say can be used for the launch of long-range missiles twice the size of the 30-meter Unha-3 that was launched into orbit in December 2012.
North Korea is under heavy sanctions by the United Nations Security Council for its nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches.
The North's pledge is likely to dampen the hard-won conciliatory mood on the Korean Peninsula following South and North Korea's recent landmark deal on easing military tension.
The two Koreas reached an agreement in late August to make efforts to defuse military tension and resume the reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War.
Experts said that the North's possible missile launch is feared to hamper the upcoming family reunions, scheduled from Oct. 20 to 26 at a scenic resort at Mount Kumgang on the North's east coast.
This December 2012 photo, released by North Korea`s official Korean Central News Agency, shows North Korea`s Unha-3 rocket being fired from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Cholsan, North Pyongan Province. North Korea said on Sept. 14, 2015, that it plans to launch a rocket at a time of its choosing as it has the right to conduct space research, cementing speculation over a provocation by the country around Oct. 10, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Workers` Party. (Yonhap)
P!
So?
Interesting
Looks like they’ve moved up from the Long Dong to the Huj Schlong.
I think there last rocket launch was a success so this is a bit alarming so my prayers are for the people of South Korea.
Lightweight payload to LEO, heavyweight payload (ie. warhead) on a sub-orbital path... Either tests/proofs the launch vehicle. Doesn’t matter what they claim in public, they are improving their missile programs.
Ping.
Don’t count on a reaction from anyone in DC.
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