N. Korea developing orbiting satellite

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PYONGYANG, North Korea, April 16 (UPI) -- North Korea said days after the failure of a rocket launch that it plans to develop an earth-orbiting satellite and a large space-launch vehicle.

The pro-North Korean newspaper Choson Sinbo of Japan said the North would begin development of the satellite and space-launch vehicle within five years, Yonhap reported.

The North's attempt to put into orbit an earth-observation satellite failed when a rocket exploded soon after liftoff and crashed into the sea off the west coast of South Korea.

Choson Sinbo, known as a mouthpiece for the North's government, noted the late leader Kim Jong Il had said satellites are necessary to build a prosperous and powerful nation.

His son, Kim Jong Un, who took over in December after his father's death, cited his father's belief in the importance of satellites Sunday.