Video Captures North Korean Rocket Stage Exploding After Satellite Launch

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Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

  • North Korea launched its first spy satellite into orbit on Tuesday, after the country's two earlier attempts this year resulted in rocket crashes during flight. A South Korean astronomical observatory later obtained footage of a stage of North Korea's satellite launch rocket exploding after separation.

  • The Chollima-1 rocket is seen on video, captured by Yonsei University in Seoul, crossing the sky before its expended disposable booster separates. Then, the lowest stage briefly disappears before erupting in a flash and debris cloud.

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The Spin

Anti-North Korea Narrative

Prior to North Korea's satellite launch, the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed his concern that North Korea was receiving military-technical assistance from Russia and China. Breaking sanctions from the UN Security Council is unacceptable, and UN states and South Korea must now fulfill their pledge to respond jointly to any aggression towards the South by North Korea.

US News & World Report

Pro-North Korea narrative

There is absolutely no evidence to support accusations that Russia allegedly has provided illegal military-technological assistance to the DPRK. Claims that North Korea has circumvented arms control sanctions are deliberate attempts by the West to inflame tensions with Pyongyang and its allies.

Tass

Metaculus Prediction

Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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