South Korea in ‘key rocket launch’ – days after North’s ICBM test

In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, South Korea’s solid-fuel rocket is launched at an undisclosed location in South Korea, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. South Korea said it made its first successful launch of a solid-fuel rocket Wednesday in what it called a major development toward acquiring a space surveillance capability amid rising animosities with rival North Korea. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)

South Korea says it has made its first successful launch of a solid-fuel rocket in what it called a major step towards acquiring a space surveillance capability.

The launch came six days after rival North Korea conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile test since 2017 in an apparent attempt to expand its weapons arsenal and increase pressure on the US amid stalled talks.