Rocket in position at N Korea launch pad

North Korean space officials have moved all three stages of a long-range rocket into position for a controversial launch, vowing yesterday to push ahead with their plan in defiance of international warnings against violating a ban on missile activity.

The AP was among foreign news agencies given a first-hand look at preparations at the coastal Sohae Satellite Station in north-western North Korea.

The country announced plans last month to launch an observation satellite using a three-stage rocket during April celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the birth of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung.

The US, Britain, and other nations urged North Korea to cancel the launch, warning that firing the rocket would violate UN resolutions and North Korea’s promise to refrain from engaging in nuclear and missile activity.

North Korea says the launch is a scientific event intended to improve the nation’s faltering economy by providing detailed surveys of the countryside.

“Our country has the right and also the obligation to develop satellites and launching vehicles,” said Jang Myong Jin, general manager of the launch facility. “No matter what others say, we are doing this for peaceful purposes.”

Experts say the rocket slated for lift off between Apr 12 and 16 could also test long-range missile technology that might be used to strike the US and other targets.

North Korea has tested two atomic devices, but is not believed to have mastered the technology needed to mount a warhead on a long-range missile.

Reporters were taken to North Korea’s launch pad in Tongchang-ri in North Phyongan province, about 50km south of the border town of Sinuiju along North Korea’s west coast.

All three stages of the 91-tonne rocket, emblazoned with the North Korean flag, were visibly in position at the towering launch pad, and fuelling will begin soon, Jang said.

He said preparations were on track for lift off and that international space, aviation, and maritime authorities had been advised of the plan.

About two weeks before North Korea unveiled its rocket plan, the US announced a deal with the North to provide it with much-needed food aid in exchange for a freeze on nuclear activity, including on long-range missile tests.

Plans to send food aid, as well as a recently revived project to conduct joint searches for the remains of US military personnel killed during the Korean War, have now been suspended.

Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, said they are prepared to shoot down any parts of the rocket that threaten to fall in their territory — a move North Korea’s foreign ministry said would be considered a declaration of war.

The launch is meant to show that North Korea has become a powerful, prosperous nation, celebrate the centenary of founder Il-sung’s birth, and usher in a new era under his grandson, Kim Jong-un, said Koh Yu-hwan, a professor of North Korean studies.

“North Korea needs to show some tangible achievements to its people to solidify Kim Jong-un’s leadership,” he said. “North Korea intends to provide its people with a sense of pride.”