Journalists Visit General Satellite Control and Command Center in DPRK

Journalists inspected the General Satellite Control and Command Center in Pyongyang Wednesday after the successful launch of the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3.

The center is a combined base for observing and controlling satellite of Kwangmyongsong series and a hub for scientific researches essential for the development of the national economy and improvement of people's living standard including earth observation and communications.

The visitors were briefed on the fact that the DPRK manufactured the second version of satellite Kwangmyonggsong-3 and carrier rocket Unha-3 on its own efforts and by its technology and successfully launched the satellite, true to the last instructions of leader Kim Jong Il.

They looked round the general control and command room.

They watched a video showing carrier rocket Unha-3 putting the satellite into orbit.

They heard in great excitement signals of immortal revolutionary hymns "Song of General Kim Il Sung" and "Song of General Kim Jong Il" transmitted from the satellite.

Listening to the explanation about the purpose of the satellite and the significance of its successful launch, the visitors deeply grasped the validity and vitality of the Workers' Party of Korea's policy of attaching importance to science and technology and the importance of the space science in developing the country's science, technology and economy.

DPR-Korea Successfully Launches Satellite Into Space

[caption id="attachment_859" align="alignleft" width="297"] North Korean Successful Rocket Launch[/caption]

12 December – DPR-Korea has launched earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 (2) by carrier rocket Unha-3. The reported time of launch was 1349 NZDT; 0949 Pyongyang/Japan local time.

It is currently unclear whether the launch was a success or not. The North Korean government has not issued any statement at this time.

Sin Son-ho, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated in October that DPRK’s space development programme was for “peaceful purposes” and “is an exercise of sovereign right in line with the universally accepted international law in which the general will of all member states of the UN is reflected.”

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Further, “[DPRK] will continue to exercise the independent right to use space which stands above the UNSC resolution, being universally recognized by international law. Under the state program for space development, we will expand the institutions for space development and go through with launches of working satellites of all kinds essential for the economic development of the country including geostationary satellites.”

North Korean official state media said:

"The launching of the satellite ‘Gwangmyongsong-3′ using the “Unha-3″ rocket was a success, and the satellite has entered into the planned orbit."