Moment North Korean spy satellite EXPLODES in mid-air in humiliating failed launch for Kim Jong-un’s space mission
A NORTH Korean rocket carrying its second spy satellite reportedly exploded midair today in a dramatic setback for Kim Jong-un.
Footage showed a red, orange and yellow fireball in the night sky soon after the launch that was strongly condemned by the pariah state’s neighbours.
North Korea’s official state news agency said it launched a spy satellite aboard a new rocket from its main space centre tonight.
But it added that the rocket blew up during a first-stage flight soon after liftoff due to a suspected engine problem.
Japanese TV broadcast apparent footage of a missile exploding showing a huge fiery ball lighting up the sky.
Earlier today, residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa were urged to take shelter inside buildings or underground premises as part of a missile alert.
The public alerts were withdrawn after it became clear the rocket would not fly over the islands.
North Korea had informed its neighbour of an imminent launch of a satellite rocket during a launch window from Monday through June 3.
There was a warning of caution in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and China and east of the main Philippine island of Luzon.
North Korea had been strongly urged to abandon the launch, which had been predicted by South Korea.
South Korea’s military later said it detected a launch trajectory believed to be of a spy satellite at 10:44pm local time.
Four minutes later, many fragments were spotted in the waters, it said.
The UN bans North Korea from conducting any satellite launches, viewing them as covers for testing long-range missile technology.
However, North Korea has steadfastly maintained it has the right to launch satellites and test missiles.
Last November, Kim sent its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit as part of efforts to build a space-based surveillance network to deal with what he calls US-led military threats.
Kim's space aims
The November launch drew new sanctions from the US and its allies over fears the satellites are a cover for testing ballistic missile technology.
Western powers have slammed North Korea’s satellite tests as a violation of the UN’s Security Council resolutions, which prohibit the development of North Korea’s missile programmes.
The UN’s ruling – passed with Russia’s support – also bans any scientific and technical cooperation with North Korea in nuclear science and technology and aerospace.
However, Kim has been hellbent on flaunting the rules and pursuing his space programme in a bid to counter what he calls Western military threats.
How could the spy satellites be used?
In February, US space experts said North Korea’s first spy satellite, dubbed the Malligyong-1, was “alive” although its capabilities remain unknown.
The satellites will likely be unable to provide the North with detailed intelligence but could be useful for spying on things such as troop movements, analysts say.
However, North Korea is believed to be developing a larger rocket to launch a more capable satellite.
Is Russia helping?
After the success of the November launch – after two failed attempts – South Korea said Kim may have overcome technical hurdles with the help of Russia.
Russia in September publicly pledged to help Pyongyang build satellites.
Many experts expressed doubts, however, that Moscow could have provided game-changing assistance in such a short time.
Afterwards, Kim revealed would launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024.
The November launch followed two embarrassing failed liftoffs .
In the first attempt, the North Korean rocket carrying the satellite crashed into the ocean soon after liftoff.
North Korean authorities said the rocket lost thrust after the separation of its first and second stages.
After the second attempt, North Korea said there was an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight.
Kim has said spy satellites will allow his military to better monitor US and South Korean military activities and enhance the threat posed by its nuclear-capable missiles.
Monday’s launch came hours after the leaders of South Korea, China and Japan met in Seoul in their first trilateral meeting in more than four years.
It’s highly unusual for North Korea to take provocative military action when China – its major ally and economic pipeline – is engaging in high-level diplomacy in the region.