North Korea Set to Delay Rocket Launch
2012-12-10 12:26:25

North Korea has extended the launch window for its latest rocket test to December 29, according to a report in North Korean state media.

The report cited an official from the country's space committee saying the extension is due to a "technical malfunction in the engine control unit," RIA Novosti informs.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on Saturday that the authorities may delay the launch "for a number of reasons."

North Korea announced early this month that it would launch its Unha-3 rocket between Monday and December 22 to send its Kwangmyongsong satellite into orbit.

While North Korean authorities have claimed the rocket will attempt to send a satellite into outer space, the international community has condemned what it believes to be the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program meant to ferry nuclear warheads.

A previous attempted launch of a North Korean rocket last April ended in failure after the rocket exploded shortly after lift-off.