North Korea admitted yesterday its heralded long-range rocket launch had failed, disintegrating

North Korea admitted yesterday its heralded long-range rocket launch had failed, disintegrating mid-air and plunging into the sea soon after takeoff in a major embarrassment for the reclusive state.

Defying international warnings, the North went ahead with what it termed a launch to put a peaceful satellite into orbit, drawing condemnation from world leaders who said the “provocative” act threatened regional security.

Several hours after the rocket exploded over the Yellow Sea, the North admitted the satellite had failed to enter orbit, adding “scientists, technicians and experts are now looking into the cause of the failure”.

The United States and its allies, who condemned the exercise as a disguised ballistic missile test banned by United Nations resolutions, reacted strongly.

“North Korea is only further isolating itself by engaging in provocative acts, and is wasting its money on weapons and propaganda displays while the North Korean people go hungry,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

South Korea’s defence ministry said the rocket, which lifted off at 7:39 am Friday, “flew about one or two minutes before it exploded mid-air”.

Ah duh!

Source AP