North Korea Conducts Space (Missile Test) Launch

Credit: Crazy Dictator News Agency

Credit: Crazy Dictator News Agency

North Korea has conducted what appears to be a second successful space launch. The first took place on December 12, 2012 and was to confirmed as to placed an object into orbit. North Korea claimed it was an Earth observation satellite named Kwangmyŏngsŏng. Two previous launches were claimed also claimed to be successful, but those assertions were quickly debunked.

The latest space launch lifted off at approximately 12:30 am GMT, carrying what North Korea again states is an observation satellite, carrying the name Kwangmyongsong-4.

As has been the case with each launch attempt, what North Korea calls a peaceful rocket launch to place a satellite into orbit, the rest of the world sees as another test of a potential intercontinental ballistic missile.

Note:  Whatever you choose to call the latest space launch from this nuclear armed nation, it points to the overall failure of missile control regimes, as well as the effectiveness of sanctions against developing the nuclear warheads they may one day carry.

It also underscores the somewhat apocalyptic logic in Elon Musk’s drive to create a second branch of human civilization on Mars as a “backup drive” as quickly as possible. As atomic weapons and the means to delivery them continue to proliferate, we may need it.

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