NORTH KOREA (CBS) - Defying United Nations resolutions, the isolated North Korean regime successfully fired a long range rocket last night, delivering an object into orbit. A speck in the distance seen from the Chinese border, is believed to be the first image of the rocket as it climbed into the atmosphere.
In the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, sirens blared the news, and citizens danced in celebration.
One man says the launch has sent a shockwave to the whole world, and he's right. Ballistic missiles and the rockets utilized to launch satellites possess similar bodies, engines, and technology, so this launch is a step toward the regime's goal of developing the ability to deliver a nuclear payload at intercontinental ranges.
National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor, called the launch, "A highly provocative act that threatens regional security (and) directly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions."
In April, the North Koreans attempted a similar launch but the rocket broke apart shortly after lift-off.