2009 rocket launch was also a ‘failure’

MANILA, Philippines – North Korea has been working on its missile program since the 1970s, attempting to develop short- and long-range missiles. At least 2 rockets are estimated to reach targets between 4,000-6,000 kilometers from North Korea — a distance which would include China, Russia, Alaska, and parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

The Hermit Kingdom’s rocket launches have seen little success over the years.

In 2006, a total of 7 missiles test-fired by the North, including the long-range Taepodong 2, exploded just after 40 seconds.

In 1998, an early attempt to launch a satellite flew over Japan during a test.

Its most recent launch before Friday’s attempt was back in April 5, 2009, when it launched a long-range rocket which flew over Japan and landed in the Pacific Ocean. It was also branded by the regime as an attempt to put a satellite into orbit, but the US, Japan, South Korea and the UN did not buy into it.

The 2009 test was also seen as a failure.

Related story: Who’s afraid of North Korea’s rocket? – Rappler.com