Japan braces for satellite launch from North Korea

The island country said it would take down a satellite that North Korea plans to launch on June 11. Other countries, including South Korea, have backed up Japan, as they deem the planned satellite launch illegal. UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from launching using ballistic technology. North Korea first detonated a nuclear device in 2006 and has since launched nuclear-capable missiles.

Why is North Korea launching the satellite? This would be North Korea’s first completed satellite launch. It would serve in a series of steps within the country’s weapon testing. North Korea has said its test launches are warnings in response to expanded military drills between the United States and South Korea.

Dig Deeper: Listen to Carolina Lumetta’s report on The World and Everything in It podcast about two women fleeing North Korea and finding their faith.