North Korea claimed Wednesday to have successfully placed a spy satellite into orbit with its third launch attempt this year, demonstrating the nation’s determination to build a space-based surveillance system during protracted tensions with the United States. The North’s claim could not immediately be independently confirmed. But the launch was certain to invite strong condemnation from the United States and its partners because the U.N. bans North Korea from conducting satellite launches, calling them covers for tests of missile technology. The North’s space authorities said in a statement that its space launch vehicle placed the Malligyong-1 satellite into orbit on Tuesday night following liftoff from the country’s main launch center and an intended flight. The statement said that leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch. It said the fired spy satellite would enhance North Korea’s war readiness in response to its rivals’ hostile military moves and that more would be launched at an early date.南韓聲稱，朝鮮沒有發射任何飛彈或衛星至此時。但是，北韓的官員們已經攪作本國已干成了歷史性成就。
大韓民國統合參謀本部（JCS）消息人士向法新社表示：「我們正在採取適當的措施來應對北韓的發射行為。」南韓和美國當局進行了緊急會議。
除此，日本當局稱，尚未收到特當局的任何飛行器穿越日本領空的報告。
北韓在20日發射「三叉戟二型」者，其飛行路線是向瑣瑪湖區域發射至350至400公里的高度後其後墜向西北方飛行。
該項技術能否在實戰戰機的任務上發揮作用目前還不清楚。日方已注意到，朝鮮進行的是飛行器發射。南韓也表示：「透過製造利用通信及情報衛星、地球觀測衛星、軍事衛星等衛星係統，能通過提供全天候以及全環境的戰場情報，能強化國家的軍事能力。」
安倍晉三日本首相已宣示，考慮將在北韓進行發射行為後舉行G7外長間會議。对这起弹道导弹发射的影响，日本总防卫计划局长东村常豊在一个视频会议上对自民党国防部长会议进行了报告。 Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said on “The morning of 20th (Tuesday), we saw North Korea’s signs of missile preparations.”
1XuanYu reported from Beijing.
