DPRK launch: A satellite or a missile?

WATCH VIDEO

Heading towards the Pacific Ocean, the rocket travelled across Japanese airspace, for almost seven minutes.

Japan deployed patriot missile batteries, and counted down to lift-off, so they could shoot down any debris from a failed launch. But the country found no debris on its territory.

Hours later, the DPRK declared it a success. But the US says it hasn't observed any object entering orbit. Instead, the US says the first stage of the rocket fell into the waters between South Korea and Japan. The US also says the other two stages, and its payload, landed in the Pacific Ocean.

South Korean officials say it's too early to answer the question, since they are still in the process of clarifying the details.

But for the time being, they say it appears the DPRK has launched a satellite.

Editor:Liu Fang