North Korea Set to Delay Rocket Launch

North Korea's Sohae (West Sea) Satellite Launch Station. Photo by DigitalGlobe

North Korea has extended the launch window for its latest rocket test to December 29, according to a report in North Korean state media.

The report cited an official from the country's space committee saying the extension is due to a "technical malfunction in the engine control unit," RIA Novosti informs.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on Saturday that the authorities may delay the launch "for a number of reasons."

North Korea announced early this month that it would launch its Unha-3 rocket between Monday and December 22 to send its Kwangmyongsong satellite into orbit.

While North Korean authorities have claimed the rocket will attempt to send a satellite into outer space, the international community has condemned what it believes to be the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program meant to ferry nuclear warheads.

A previous attempted launch of a North Korean rocket last April ended in failure after the rocket exploded shortly after lift-off.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!