North Korea rocket launch fails

North Korea's rocket launch failed, with the rocket breaking into pieces and crashing into the sea a few minutes after take-off.

North Korea's state media says the satellite failed to enter orbit, and scientists and technicians are determining the cause of the failure.

South Korea's defense ministry confirmed the failure.

(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN DEFENSE MINISTRY SPOKESMAN KIM MIN-SEOK SAYING:

"South Korean and U.S. intelligence understand that North Korea's missile launch failed and we will announce a final verdict after close analysis."

The Japanese government said the launch did not encroach on Japanese territory.

Japan's military has missiles on the southern island of Ishigaki, and was prepared to bring down the rocket had it veered off course.

(SOUNDBITE)(Japanese) JAPANESE CABINET SECRETARY OSAMU FUJIMURA SAYING:

"We received information that a flying projectile of some sort was launched from North Korea. This flying object flew for about one minute before seemingly falling into the Yellow Sea. We are still trying to analyse the details of this flight but the falling objects will have no effect on our country."

The launch, which Pyongyang had said was meant to put a weather satellite into orbit, had been timed to coincide with the 100th birthday of the country's founder Kim Il-Sung.

All eyes will now be on how Pyongyang will handle the failure of a major event that was meant to display its power.

Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.