North Korea to Launch More Satellites to Orbit – Embassy in Moscow

North Korea will continue to launch satellites, the country’s embassy in Moscow said in a press release, citing the state agency for space exploration.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier Sunday, North Korea launched the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite atop a long-range rocket. The launch defied a UN Security Council resolution, which baned Pyongyang from launching rockets that may be used as ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads.

"State Agency for space exploration, following the policy of the Workers Party of Korea in prioritizing science and technology, will continue to launch more Juche satellites," the press release, seen by RIA Novosti, reads.

According to the statement, the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite aimed for probing the Earth is circulating on the polar orbit with an inclination of 97.4 degrees.

The United States, China, Japan, South Korea, France and Russia have condemned the satellite launch by Pyongyang.

Tensions over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs escalated after Pyongyang said on January 6 that it had successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test, triggering condemnation from the international community.

North Korea previously reported a successful satellite launch in 2012, in violation of the UN Security Council resolution.