Japan and the USA are to study the possible development of a ballistic missile defence system as concern mounts in Asia over North Korea's ballistic missile developments, following the launch of a Taepo Dong rocket on 31 August.
The decision to look at potential ballistic missile defence systems was announced on 21 September, despite the US State Department's toning down of its initial reaction to the launch of the Taepo Dong, when it claimed that it was a ballistic missile test.
North Korea claims that the firing was an unsuccessful satellite launch rather than a ballistic missile test. The rocket, which flew over Japan's mainland, was equipped with an extra third stage for orbital injection. The second stage splashed down in the Pacific, 1,645km (890nm) downrange.
Initial Western reaction was that the launch was a missile test and that the North Korean claim of a satellite launch was being used to deflect negative reactions to the test - there is minimal difference between a ballistic missile and a satellite launcher.
No satellite was found in the orbit described by North Korea and no new satellite transmissions have been tracked. North Korea announced on 21 September that the satellite "-had ceased transmitting patriotic hymns".
Source: Flight International