North Korea's Satellite Launch Attempt Ends in Explosion

North Korea's ambitious satellite launch ended in failure on Monday, with the rocket carrying the craft exploding and crashing into the sea. The launch, the country's latest attempt to put a second satellite into space, failed after the engine reportedly exploded midair.

North Korea's latest satellite launch attempt ended in explosion and failure on Monday, dealing a setback to the country's ambitions of operating multiple satellites for surveillance and military purposes.

The rocket carrying the Malligyong-1-1 reconnaissance satellite exploded shortly after liftoff, according to North Korea's state-aligned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The launch, which took place on Monday morning, was the country's latest attempt to put a second satellite into space.

An unnamed vice-director of the National Aerospace Technology Administration said that the fiery malfunction was caused by a newly developed liquid oxygen-petroleum engine.

Neighboring countries Japan and South Korea were informed by North Korean officials earlier this week that a rocket launch would be taking place between Monday and June 8.

The Monday launch was the country's first major weapons test since President Biden took office in January. It came as a surprise due to North Korea's historic tendency not to test weapons at the same time as its ally, China, was pursuing diplomatic objectives in the East Asian region.

The United States Indo-Pacific Command condemned the launch, calling it a "brazen violation" of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

"We are aware of the DPRK's May 27 launch using ballistic missile technology, which, is a brazen violation of multiple unanimous UNSC resolutions, raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond," the command said.

The launch was conducted only a few hours after trilateral meetings were held between South Korea, Japan, and China.

The failure of the satellite launch is a setback for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who has made developing the country's space program a top priority. North Korea has conducted several satellite launches in recent years, but the country has not yet successfully put a satellite into orbit.

The launch also raises concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. The technology used in satellite launches is similar to that used in ballistic missiles, which could be used to deliver nuclear weapons.

The United States and its allies have warned North Korea against further provocations, and have threatened to impose additional sanctions if necessary.