[Abathar]

If they are stupid enough to fire it over Japan then they should expect it to be shot down.

If they are serious about launching a “satellite” and not doing this for attention then they can simply put it up over China or Russian airspace with a flight plan that puts it out of range of our missiles.

Where they fire it will show exactly what they are looking to prove.

[AFreeBird]

Not to come to the defense of NK, far from it, but putting a sat into orbit, from NK or northern part of SK, you can't help but go over Japan. I mean, aren't most satellite orbits, directional, west to east? Yes I know there are polar orbits, that intersect equatorial orbits, and I suppose you could have them in counter orbits, but that would be like driving the wrong way on a one-way street?

Just asking, don't know much about orbital mechanics.