Analysts Say Launch Would Test A Missile That Could Reach The U.S.

North Korea has announced plans to launch an "Earth Observation Satellite" into orbit this month in what many are calling the test of a missile that could hit targets in the U.S.

The launch announcement comes just four weeks after North Korea claimed to have conducted its fourth nuclear test.

USA Today reports that an official not authorized to speak publicly on the matter from the International Maritime Organization said North Korea had a launch window stretching between February 8th and 25th for the launch, which would take place between 0700 and 1200 local time. North Korea also informed the ICAO and the  International Telecommunication Union of its plans to launch the satellite.

The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Daniel Russel, said the reports of a planned launch were being watched closely. He said a launch that uses ballistic missile technology would be a violation of the U.N.'s ban against such launches by North Korea, and would bolster the case for the international community to place sanctions with "real consequences" on the rogue nation.

The most recent long-range rocket launch by North Korea occurred in December 2012. It successfully boosted a satellite into orbit after a series of failures.

The country reportedly has several crude nuclear devices, and multiple short- and medium-range missiles it could use to deliver them. It is still not clear whether the country can build a viable nuclear weapon small enough to be carried by a long-range missile, and whether it could be accurately delivered to a specific target.

(U.S. State Department map)

FMI: http://www.state.gov/p/eap/ci/kn