S. Korea considers N. Korean rocket launch step forward in missile capability

SEOUL, April 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea considers North Korea's apparent failure to orbit a satellite still a step forward in the communist state's ballistic missile technology because its newest rocket represents a potential weapon, an official said Monday.

North Korea on Sunday launched a three-stage rocket that it said carried a
communications satellite into space. But South Korea and the U.S. disputed the
claim, saying the payload plunged into the Pacific Ocean.
The launch, which took place on North Korea's east coast, demonstrated the
longest-range rocket the reclusive state has ever developed -- at least 2,700
kilometers according to media reports.
"It is our assessment that North Korea's missile capabilities have advanced
because its abilities to launch the rocket can be converted into long-range
missile technology," the South Korean official said, asking anonymity because he
was not allowed to speak to the media.
The international community had urged Pyongyang to abandon its launch plan,
fearing it may be a cover for a test of a Taepodong-2 missile capable of reaching
Alaska.
An earlier version of the missile, estimated to have a range of over 6,700
kilometers, fizzled soon after takeoff in July 2006. The test still prompted the
United Nations Security Council to ban Pyongyang from further honing its
ballistic missile technology.
The South Korean official said Sunday's launch represented a technological leap
from the 2006 test, but dismissed speculation the latest rocket could be
technically revamped to hit Alaska.
"It would be an overstatement," the official said, adding it remained inconclusive
whether North Korea fired off the so-called "Kwangmyongsong-2" satellite or a
missile.
"Everyone will try to retrieve the debris" of the rocket from the Pacific Ocean,
the official said, referring to Japan and the United States. "Even tiny pieces
can be valuable for technical analysis."
The official declined to comment on the exact coordinates or trajectory of the
rocket, but said such information may provide important clues as to the nature of
the vehicle.
"Flight trajectory is clearly different depending on whether it is a missile or a
rocket intended to lift a satellite," the official said.
North Korea released specific details regarding its experimental satellite
through the state media on Sunday. The official said North Korea appears to have
made considerable efforts to track its satellite, but "no object has been found
in orbit."
samkim@yna.co.kr
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