North Korea preparing for 'space launch'

North Korea said today it is in full-fledged preparations to shoot a satellite into orbit, its clearest reference yet to an impending launch, which neighbours and the US believe will be an illicit test of a long-range missile.

The statement from the North’s space technology agency came amid international concern the communist nation is gearing up to fire its most advanced Taepodong-2 missile, which would violate a UN Security Council resolution.