North Korea announced for the first time details of a "meteorological satellite" intended to be launched next month amidst western suspicions that this was a camouflaged experimentation on launching a self-propelled rocket.

The official news agency of North Korea described the launching process as an "advanced satellite for gleaning meteorological data and geological survey" meanwhile world leaders congregate in the South Korean capital – Seoul – for the International Nuclear Security Summit.

The agency added in a report broadcast today that K-3 Satellite is now operational and ready to be launched in order to largely help in studying weather forecasts for agrarian and economic purposes.
Source: BNA