The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday successfully launched a Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite, the Korean Central Television (KCTV) reported.
The earth observation satellite blasted off at 9:00 a.m. local time (0030 GMT) from the Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province, and later entered the target orbit, said the KCTV.
DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un signed the order to launch the satellite on Saturday and the KCTV disclosed photos of his signature.
The satellite is going round the polar orbit at 494.6 km perigee altitude and 500 km apogee altitude at a 97.4-degree angle of inclination, with a cycle of 94 minutes and 24 seconds, said a statement issued by National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) of the DPRK and carried by the official news agency KCNA.
The successful launch marks "an epochal event" in developing the country's science, technology, economy and defense capability by "legitimately exercising the right to use space for independent and peaceful purposes," the statement stressed.
The launch came only nine days ahead of the "Day of the Shining Star," the birthday of the DPRK's late leader Kim Jong Il, and is seen as part of the events to celebrate the anniversary.
