North Korea’s spy satellite launch falls through, crashes
North Korea’s attempt to launch a satellite failed on Wednesday, with the rocket crashing into the sea, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
A statement carried by KCNA said the rocket carrying the “military reconnaissance satellite” crashed off the Korean Peninsula’s western coast after “losing thrust due to abnormal starting” of the second-stage engine.
The failure was due to the “low reliability and stability” of a new engine system,” it said.
The statement said scientists were examining the cause of the failure.
A second launch would take place as soon as possible, KCNA said.
The U.S. government strongly condemned the launch.
“This claimed space launch involved technologies directly related to the (North Korean) intercontinental ballistic missile program,” a spokesman for the White House’s National Security Committee, Adam Hodge, said.
“The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement,” Mr Hodge said.
The launch brought about tensions in the region and could destabilise the security situation, and is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.
This raised tensions, and risks destabilising the security situation in the region and beyond, the statement continued.
Mr Hodge said Washington would take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the U.S., South Korea and Japan.
The South Korean General Staff said it also caused uncertainty in the metropolis of Seoul.
Sirens were heard in the South Korean capital; in text messages, citizens were asked to go to shelters if necessary.
News agency Yonhap later cited the Interior Ministry as saying the alert was sent by mistake.
The South Korean military said the projectile flew over the Yellow Sea between the Korean Peninsula and China and did not affect the Seoul metropolitan area, Yonhap also reported.
The Japanese Coast Guard on Monday said North Korea had informed that Pyongyang was planning a satellite launch between May 31 and June 11 despite criticism.
It said it would violate UN resolutions prohibiting North Korea from testing ballistic missiles.
(dpa/NAN)
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