Indications Are The Country Deployed An Object Into Orbit

North American Aerospace Defense Command officials acknowledged Wednesday that U.S. missile warning systems detected and tracked the launch of a North Korean missile at 1949 EST Tuesday. The missile was tracked on a southerly azimuth. Initial indications are that the first stage fell into the Yellow Sea. The second stage was assessed to fall into the Philippine Sea. Initial indications are that the missile deployed an object that appeared to achieve orbit. NORAD says that at no time was the missile or the resultant debris a threat to North America.

The Los Angeles Times reports that an announcement was carried on North Korean State Television about the launch, which the Pyongyang government said placed a satellite intended for "peaceful purposes" into orbit. Just a day earlier, the county had said they were dealing with "technical uncertainties" that would push the launch to December 29. ABC News and other media sources report that National Security Council spokesperson Tom Vietor said the launch was a "highly provocative act" and a threat to national security.

While North Korea insists that the launch was for non-military purposes, the U.S. and many in the region believe it was a test of an ICBM that could one day be topped with a nuclear warhead and reach destinations not only in Asia but also the United States. Even China, which has been a supporter of North Korea's right to develop its capabilities in space, expressed "regret" over the launch.

In a statement released by the White House, the NSC said "(t)his action is yet another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible behavior.  The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region. Given this current threat to regional security, the United States will strengthen and increase our close coordination with allies and partners.

"North Korea is only further isolating itself by engaging in such provocative acts.  Devoting scarce resources to the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons has not brought it security and acceptance by the international community—and never will.  North Korea will only truly strengthen itself by abiding by international norms, living up to its commitments and international obligations, and working to feed its citizens, to educate its children, and to win the trust of its neighbors."

(Capture from North Korean State Television broadcast posted on YouTube)

FMI: www.whitehouse.gov