North Korea said Tuesday that it plans to launch a satellite-carrying rocket as soon as next week, a move that could demonstrate potential progress in the nation's long-running mission to develop a reliable intercontinental ballistic missile.The North gave notice of the launch -- which it said would come between Feb. 8 and Feb. 25 -- in an alert to the International Maritime Organization, a group responsible for maritime safety.
Although North Korea has described its satellite program as peaceful, the launches rely on long-range missile technology and defy sanctions designed to restrict the country's weapons program. A launch coming just four weeks after an underground nuclear test would sharpen concern in the West and across Asia that Pyongyang is attempting to make progress on its ultimate goal -- the ability to fire off a miniaturized nuclear warhead with an accurate ballistic missile.