Japan strongly protests against DPRK's satellite launch (5)

（Xinhua）  08:38, December 13, 2012

Just one day before the launch, there were reports that the DPRK had removed the rocket from the launch pad, indicating it would not carry out the blastoff soon.

Now, the DPRK said it has successfully sent its satellite into orbit through the rocket. However, some countries considered that the launch is DPRK's test for long-range ballistic missile.

The DPRK attempted a satellite launch in April to mark the 100th birthday of late DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. But the rocket failed to send the satellite into orbit and crashed into sea.