North Korea calls failed spy satellite launch 'the most serious' shortcomig

Top North Korean officials vowed to push for a second attempt to launch a spy satellite as they called their countrys first and failed launch last month the most serious shortcoming this year and harshly criticized those responsible state media reported MondayIn late May a North Korean rocket carrying a military reconnaissance satellite crashed soon after liftoff posing a setback to leader Kim Jong Uns push to acquire a spacebased surveillance system to better monitor the United States and South KoreaThe failed launch and North Korean efforts to modernize its weapons arsenals were discussed heavily at a threeday ruling party meeting that ended Sunday with the presence of Kim and other top officialsA lengthy Korean Central News Agency dispatch on the meeting didnt clearly say who spoke but said a report to the meeting bitterly criticized the officials who irresponsibly conducted the preparations for the satellite launchThe report set forth tasks for officials and scientists to learn the lessson of the failed launch find what caused the rockets crash and make a successful launch in a short span of time KCNA saidIt didnt say exactly when North Korea might attempt a second launch But South Koreas spy agency earlier told lawmakers that it would take likely take more than several weeks for North Korea to determine what went wrong in the failed launchNorth Korea monitoring groups havent reported any purges or dismissals of scientists or others involved in the failed launch Observers say Kim has well treated scientists and technicians working in the countrys weapons development program though he orchestrated a slew of highprofile executions or purges of top officials to boost his grip on power in the early stage of his ruleA spy satellite is among several hightech military assets Kim has publicly vowed to acquire to cope with what he calls USled hostility Other weapons systems Kim wants to possess are a multiwarhead missile a nuclear submarine a solidpropellant intercontinental ballistic missile and a hypersonic missileSince the start of 2022 North Korea has carried out more than 100 missile tests some of which were related to developing a spy satellite and other powerful weapons on Kims wishlistIn April North Korea tested a solidfuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time The fuel in such missiles is already loaded inside so they are more mobile than rockets using liquid propellant and are harder for outsiders to detect before launchingDuring the party meeting Politburo members claimed big strides in efforts to expand Norht Koreas arsenal of nuclear weapons and missiles which they said support the governments policy of maintaining frontal confrontation against its enemies KCNA saidThe Politburo members also analyzed the extremely deteriorating security situation in the region caused by the reckless war moves of its rivals apparently referring to the expanded USSouth Korea military drills the report said It said they unanimously approved unspecified plans for counteractionThe United States and South Korea have been expanding their military drills in response to North Koreas advancing nuclear arsenal and warn that any attempt to use nuclear weapons would result in the end of the Kim Jong Un governmentThe North Korean Politburo members set down unspecified important tasks for defending national interests and strengthening solidarity with countries that are opposed to the US brigandish strategy for world supremacy KCNA saidNorth Korea has pushed to boost relations with Russia over the war in Ukraine It blames the United States for the crisis and accuses the West of pursuing a hegemonic policy saying Russia was justified in using military action in Ukraine to protect itselfNorth Korea has also sought to strengthen ties with China its main ally and economic lifeline that is locked in an intensified strategic rivalry with the United States over trade technology and regional influenceRussia and China both vetowielding permanent members of the UN Security Council have repeatedly blocked attempts by the US and others to toughen UN sanctions on North Korea over its missile testsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever