After defying warnings from the international community, North Korea launched a long-range rocket on Friday, but it broke apart before escaping the earth’s atmosphere and fell into the sea. The North Korean launch drew condemnation from the United States and countries in the region, as well as an unusual admission of failure from Pyongyang, which had invited in journalists and space experts from around the world for the occasion. In a report, the official Korean Central News Agency said, “Scientists, technicians and experts are now looking into the cause of the failure.” The failed launch, intended for success, was reportedly in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the communist state’s founder, a landmark occasion.
The United Nations Security Council is expected to meet on Friday to discuss the launch, which North Korea insists was intended to put an observation satellite in orbit. Japan, who threatened to shoot the rocket down if it interfered with its air space, South Korea, and the United States say the North Korean operation is a cover for a ballistic missile test.
