North Korean Launch Attempt Fails

The television broadcast informed the North Korean public that the satellite did not enter orbit, confirming neighbouring countries' claims that the long-range rocket launch ended in failure.

"The DPRK launched its first application satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province at 07:38:55 am on Friday," North Korea's state-television KRT reported after interrupting regular programming.

"The earth observation satellite failed to enter its preset orbit."

"Scientists, technicians and experts are now looking into the cause of the failure," the female newsreader said.

The launch had been timed to coincide with the 100th birthday celebrations of the isolated and impoverished state's founder, Kim Il-sung.