Seoul, April 05: North Korea said it had successfully put a satellite into orbit on Sunday on a three-stage rocket that was now circling the Earth transmitting revolutionary songs.
Regional powers said the launch was a disguised test of a long-range missile that threatened security and violated UN resolutions.
"Our scientists and engineers have succeeded in sending satellite `Kwangmyongsong-2` into orbit by way of carrier rocket `Unha-2`," KCNA said in a Korean-language report.
The state media report said the rocket technology "was developed by our wisdom and technology, and is a proud achievement made out of our battle to upgrade our country`s space scientific technology."
The satellite is transmitting the "Song of General Kim Il-sung" and "Song of General Kim Jong-il" it said referring to the communist state`s founder and the son who followed him into leadership in Asia`s only communist dynasty.
Analysts said a successful launch would help leader Kim Jong-il, 67, shore up support after a suspected stroke in August raised questions about his grip on power.
US President Barack Obama said North Korea, which tested a nuclear device in 2006, had violated UN resolutions and increased its own isolation, and he urged Pyongyang to refrain from further "provocative actions."
Bureau Report
