US Approves of North Korean Satellites, But Not Launches

The North Koreans have been eager to describe their Taepodong-2 rocket as a space launch vehicle in their attempt to justify its launch.  However, the US says the rocket is a disguised attempt to get around the UN resolutions that forbid a missile program:

There hasn’t been a launch for more than two years, but a North Korean official told the Associated Press earlier this month that it’s planning to place a further satellite into orbit.

That announcement was met with a frosty reception in Washington.

“Any rocket capable of placing an object in orbit is directly relevant to the development of long-range ballistic missiles, as many ballistic missile and space launch vehicle technologies are virtually identical and interchangeable,” said State Dept. spokeswoman Marie Harf during a briefing on June 4.

“So we’ll be watching this. It could very likely contravene U.N. Security Council resolutions,” she said.

That prompted reporters to ask about a distinction between the satellite and the launch itself. Here’s video of the exchange:

At the time, the question wasn’t answered, but on Monday a State Department spokesperson told North Korea Tech that a North Korean satellite itself isn’t its concern.

Other countries are not prohibited from launching North Korean satellites, as long as the launches are carried out in accordance with international law, including the obligations in U.N. Security Council resolutions, the spokesperson said.  [North Korea Tech]

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