US denounces North Korea’s attempted space launch

The United States has strongly condemned North Korea’s second attempt to launch a spy satellite, describing it as a “blatant violation” of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and a potential threat to regional security. Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated that despite the failure of the launch, it raises tensions and jeopardizes security in the region and beyond.

The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea’s National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) tried to place the reconnaissance satellite, Malligyong-1, into orbit using the new carrier rocket, Chollima-1. The agency stated that the first and second stages of the rocket performed normally, but the third-stage launch failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system.

Following an investigation into the failed attempt, NADA announced plans for a third satellite launch in the fall, stating that the accident does not significantly affect the reliability of the engine or the system. Japan issued a brief evacuation order, known as a “J-alert,” as the North Korean satellite passed over Okinawa and headed towards the Pacific Ocean.

Watson clarified that the space launch involved technologies directly linked to North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic program. This test comes amidst a series of missile tests conducted by the country in recent months. She emphasized that diplomacy is not off the table, but North Korea must cease its provocative actions and engage in serious negotiations.

President Biden’s national security team is working alongside U.S. allies and partners to assess the situation. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command stated that although they are aware of the launch, it does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or the territories of its allies. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to the defense of the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of State confirmed that the rocket flew above international waters off the western coast of the Korean Peninsula after being launched from the Tongchang-ri area, North Korea’s main space launch center. This is the second failed attempt at launching a spy satellite at this location, with the previous one occurring in May. Last week, the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) warned officials about the possibility of North Korea resuming weapons testing in response to the joint annual U.S.-South Korean military drills, which started this week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.