N' Korea confirms successful launch of spy satellite into orbit

North Korea has confirmed that an earlier conducted missile launch was carrying a spy satellite, which it has successfully ejected into orbit.

As reported by the Japan Times, the rocket launch on November 21 was Pyongyang's third attempt this year to place a reconnaissance satellite and caused anger among neighbors South Korea and Japan.

Though North Korea informed Japan of their imminently before the launch, the Japanese government issued an emergency warning for residents in the southern city of Okinawa and asked them to remain inside of fear of a missile attack.

Following the missile launch early on November 21, Japan's defense ministry had already suspected that the missile was likely carrying a spy satellite.

As the North Korean state media, KCNA, announced the successful launch, it emphasized Pyongyang's "sovereign right" to strengthen its military power against the US-led space surveillance system.