N. Korea fires Rocket

[TheCommandTent]

North Korea successfully fired a long-range rocket on Wednesday, defying international warnings as the regime of Kim Jong Un took a big step forward in its quest to develop a nuclear missile.

While the rocket launch will enhance the credentials of young leader Kim, who took power after his father Kim Jong Il's death a year ago, it is also likely to bring fresh sanctions against the country and further complicate relations between North Korea, its neighbors, and the West.

The United States, South Korea and Japan were quick to condemn the morning launch, which they see as a test of technology needed to mount a nuclear warhead on a missile that could one day threaten the U.S. Pyongyang says it was merely a peaceful effort to put a satellite into orbit.

Even China, North Korea's closest ally, expressed "regret" that North Korea went ahead with the launch "in spite of the extensive concerns of international community," said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei.

The White House called it a "highly provocative act that threatens regional security."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/12/12/north-korea-fires-long-range-rocket-in-defiant-move-south-korea-says/#ixzz2EqZ5KoIs

Hey look at that.  The Norks finally figured out how to make sure their rocket just didn't fall into the ocean after launch. :)

I am a bit surprised that no one shot it down after it successfully launched.

[LongBlade]

I think we've established we can shoot down rockets in many cases. Probably we're watching to see how far developed they are, and are comparing that to the intel we are gathering through other sources.

[Longdan]

Would have been better and more fun it somebody shot it down.

[Centurion40]

Next time.

[steve58]

Sounds like the NK TV reporters in this clip announcing the launch have been taking lessons from "reporters" (can you say ChrisTingle Matthews) here in the US when they talk (aka fawn) over our own Dear Leader....

[Steelgrave]

Would've been reallllly fun if it had veered off course and strayed over China. Now making that happen would be a productive use of CIA funds  ;)

[TheCommandTent]

Would've been reallllly fun if it had veered off course and strayed over China. Now making that happen would be a productive use of CIA funds  ;)

That would have been entertaining :)

[Longdan]

Not nearly as entertaining as that groovy dancing in Pyongyang that was in Steve's clip

[GDS_Starfury]

we dont need to shoot it down and show off our ABM ability.
do you know why?
because we launched another x-37 on Monday and we're simply going to dock with whatever the norks sent up and hack it.
or bring it back.
or start making it tumble.
or stream gay porn to the nork command center.
I just like the timing of the unexpected launching of our remote space plane and their comsat launch.

[LongBlade]

Interesting thoughts, Star. I wouldn't have guessed we were that far along.

[GDS_Starfury]

the x-37 has over a year and a half in space with just two launches.
I think its pretty far along.  8)

[TheCommandTent]

Interesting points Star.  Whatever the N. Korans put in orbit would be nice guinea pig to try out any weapons or whatnot the x-37 has on board.

[Longdan]

Star even provided the pr0n for them to stream down.