North Korea: Space launch set to go April 4-8

As Pyongyang’s intentions to conduct a space launch between April 4-8 are questioned, US intelligence head says the difference in technology between a space launch and an intercontinental ballistic missile is minimal. Speaking at a Senate Arms Services Committee, US Director of Intelligence Dennis Blair also added that if the three-stage space launch worked it could have the potential to reach the US mainland. Analysts say the Stalinist state is ramping up the rhetoric in an attempt to leverage aid, but in it’s own news sources like KCNA, it calls US an ‘imperialist’ and South Korean ‘puppet warmongers.’

Links and sources:

US intel chief says N. Korea launching a ’space vehicle’ , Digital Chosunilbo

Japan protests N Korea’s rocket launch plan , AP

Madcap exercises targeted against DPRK go on in S. Korea , Korean Central News Agency