News

Why can’t North Korea launch a spy satellite?

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2023

ticker NEWS

North Korea’s second attempt to deploy a spy satellite into orbit has failed as its rocket booster encountered a malfunction in its third stage, according to reports from state media.

The setback has not deterred the nation’s space authorities, who are determined to make another attempt come October.

This recent mishap marks the second unsuccessful effort by North Korea to launch a spy satellite, following its initial try in May, which saw the Chollima-1 rocket plunge into the sea.

The launch, executed before dawn, took place within the opening hours of an eight-day window that North Korea had initially announced for the operation. The secretive nation has expressed its ambition to place its inaugural military spy satellite in orbit, as part of a broader plan to establish a constellation of satellites aimed at surveilling the movements of U.S. and South Korean military forces.

State news agency KCNA attributed the failure of Thursday’s launch to an anomaly in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight. According to South Korea’s military, which closely monitored the mission from the North’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, the flight ended in failure, and efforts are underway to locate and potentially retrieve any debris.

The launch event triggered an emergency alert in Japan shortly before 4 a.m. local time (1900 GMT), prompting residents in Okinawa to seek shelter. Approximately 20 minutes later, the Japanese government declared that the missile had passed and consequently lifted the emergency warning.

In a press conference, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno voiced concern over the recurring missile launches, labelling them as a genuine threat to regional security. “We will strongly protest against North Korea and condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” Matsuno stated, revealing that sections of the rocket had descended into the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean.

The launch garnered swift international condemnation. South Korea’s National Security Council deemed the event a provocation and a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit North Korea’s utilisation of ballistic missile technology.

The White House also denounced the launch, citing its infringement on multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. The U.S. State Department called upon North Korea to cease “further threatening activity” and urged Pyongyang to engage in earnest diplomatic discussions.

A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department emphasised that the technologies employed in space launch vehicles (SLVs) closely resemble those found in ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

News

U.S. envoys head to Moscow as Ukraine peace talks accelerate

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Published

23 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Senior U.S. envoys are preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomatic efforts around the war in Ukraine gather pace. The visit comes after Russia formally requested high-level talks, signalling a potential shift in momentum.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Moscow following months of behind-the-scenes discussions. The move underscores Washington’s willingness to engage directly as negotiations enter a more decisive phase.

With global attention fixed on the outcome, the meeting could shape the next chapter of the conflict — and determine whether diplomacy can finally overtake military escalation.

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#UkraineWar #RussiaUkraine #PeaceTalks #GlobalPolitics #USRussia #BreakingNews #Geopolitics #TickerNews

News

Trump drops tariff threat after Greenland framework deal

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

Published

23 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a framework deal involving Greenland, stepping back from earlier threats to impose tariffs on Europe. The shift comes after heightened global concern over trade tensions and geopolitical stability.

The announcement followed Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos and discussions with NATO’s Secretary General.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister has since weighed in, responding to speculation surrounding Greenland’s future and the implications of US involvement.

Markets reacted positively, with US stocks rallying after Trump signalled he would abandon the tariff threats.

While Trump reiterated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, the move has sparked renewed debate about diplomacy, trade, and influence in the Arctic region.

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#DonaldTrump #Greenland #USTrade #Tariffs #GlobalMarkets #USPolitics #WorldNews #Ticker

News

Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.

Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.

Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.

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#AustralianPolitics #Coalition #Nationals #Labor #Senate #PoliticalDrama #TickerNews #BreakingPolitics