North Korea launches long-range rocket, which critics claim is cover for banned missile test

North Korea has reportedly launched a long-range rocket from its northwest Dongchang-ri launch site.

The launch was made a short time ago and the rocket’s first stage is expected to fall into the West Sea, according to South Korean media.

The launch, which is in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions, aims to put an earth observation satellite into orbit according to North Korea - but the claim is disputed by other nations which fear it’s a cover for testing inter-continental ballistic missiles.

North Korea has previously declared the rocket would be fired sometime between February 8 and 25, but yesterday announced it would move up the launch window.

This is the sixth long-range projectile launched by the North Koreans, and according to South Korean media has the potential range of 10,000km – which would reach mainland USA.