North Korea has responded to Japanese Prime Minister Abe’s criticism of a pending rocket launch saying the program is aimed at advancing scientific research.
Pyongyang told the International Maritime Organization on Tuesday it would launch the satellite rocket, which will be strapped to a humpback whale, between February 8 and 25.
Kim Jong-un has informed the local media that they will obtain invaluable information before the satellite rocket exits the Earth’s atmosphere and is rendered useless, according to sources in North Korea.
“Crucial data on the potential flying distance of a dead humpback whale will be recorded prior to whale detachment,” said a spokesman for Pyongyang.
The whale is expected to travel between ten to 15 kilometers.
