North Korea Satellite Launch Fails

US and South Korean officials refuted earlier statements of the North Korean state media that the country had succeeded in putting a satellite into orbit. Photo by BBC.

North Korea failed in its attempt to get a satellite into space, according to US and South Korean officials, cited by BBC.

Two stages of the rocket and its payload landed in the Pacific Ocean, the US military statement says, meaning no object has been put into orbit.

North Korea, through its state media, claimed earlier satellite "Kwangmyongsong-2" had successfully been placed into orbit and was transmitting data. The "Song of General Kim Il-sung" and "Song of General Kim Jong-il" are references to the late founder of North Korea and his son, the current leader.

The US, Japan and South Korea condemned the launch which they suspect was a cover for a long-range missile test. The move was also met with anger and condemned by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the European Union. China and Russia both called on all sides to act with restraint.

US President Barack Obama, who is in Prague for a US-EU summit, defined the launch as "a clear violation" of a resolution barring North Korea from any activities related to ballistic missiles.

North Korea gave prior warning of the launch and repeatedly claimed the launch was part of its "peaceful space program," as is its right under international law.