Quantcast

N. Korea Launches Rocket, Claims It's A Satellite

2009_04_nkorrock.jpg North Korea claims a Sunday rocket launch was its successful attempt to put a satellite into orbit, but U.S. and South Korea officials disagree, saying that nothing entered space. North American Aerospace Defense Command's statement: "Officials acknowledged today that North Korea launched a Taepo Dong 2 missile at 10:30 p.m. EDT Saturday, which passed over the Sea of Japan and the nation of Japan. Stage one of the missile fell into the Sea of Japan. The remaining stages along with the payload itself landed in the Pacific Ocean. No object entered orbit and no debris fell on Japan." (For a successful launch, the third stage would enter orbit.) The U.S., Japan and S. Korea condemned the launch, which is believed to "be cover for a long-range missile test"; Russian agencies confirm N. Korea's claim that it was a successful satellite launch. The U.N. Security Council has convened an emergency meeting; President Barack Obama said, "With this provocative act, North Korea has ignored its international obligations, rejected unequivocal calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the community of nations."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

Comments [rss]

  • NannyState

    "Congratulations Dear Leader on the successful launch into space of The People's Satellite! A most auspicious event indeed as rumor has it, a rare white Sea Cucumber was netted offshore just as the Great Rocket soared heavenward toward the New Dawn of the PRK!"

    Signed, President Barack Obama

  • glennQNYC

    North Korea is testing long-range weaponry (with Russia and China's blessing/help); NATO allies gave a solid "no" to Obama's (legitimate) request for more help in Afghanistan; Iran refuses to meet with Obama without preconditions (we can't talk about their nuke program, or their involvement in Iraq), etc. And tomorrow our Defense Secretary will announce Obama's grand plan to "make painfull cuts" in defense spending! :rolleyes:

  • Gothampc

    Don't worry America. Hillary Clinton threw on a pantsuit, grabbed a "Reset" button and is headed over there right now to spread the love.

    It is rumored that Mrs. Clinton is carrying an ipod loaded with Obama speeches just in case the "Reset" button doesn't work.

  • nivek

    I really wish we could just blow them out of the water. Their people have suffered long enough, might as well put them out of their misery. They're so freaking delusional.

  • interlard

    Why do so many people here think problems can be solved by blowing them up?

  • babyhitler

    the problem won't be solved. There just won't be a problem. It's called the final solution for a reason.

  • The Edge

    Ever see those pictures that Russian tourist took?

    It was like Fallout 3 was based on that.

    So creepy.

blog comments powered by Disqus

send a tip

tips@gothamist.com