Pictures purported to be of North Korea's first satellite have appeared on the Internet. Attempts to put the spacecraft into orbit on 31 August caused controversey as nations led by the USA initially accused Pyongyang of testing a ballistic missile, although they later retracted the statement. The launch, by a modified Taepo Dong 1 missile with an additional third stage, failed, but North Korea says it intends to make further launch attempts. The satellite, equipped with solar cells on its surface to generate electricity, is thought to have weighed about 50kg (110lb).
Source: Flight International