North Korea declares satellite launch this month

North Korea has declared plans to launch an Earth observation satellite on a rocket later this month, an official with a London-based agency says.

This would cause international outrage because such tests are seen by the United Nations and other critics as covers for banned long-range missile tests meant to further North Korea’s nuclear bomb and missile programs.

An official at the International Maritime Organization says North Korea declared that an Earth observation satellite launch would be conducted between February 8 and 25, between 7 a.m. and noon Pyongyang time. The official speaks on condition of anonymity because she hasn’t been authorized to speak publicly yet.

The declaration follows North Korea’s claim last month to have tested a hydrogen bomb, the country’s fourth nuclear test.

— AP