S. Korea unclear about final separation of N. Korean rocket: spokesman

By Sam Kim

SEOUL, April 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is trying to determine whether or not the final two stages of North Korea's long-range rocket separated from each other before plunging into the Pacific Ocean, its defense spokesman said Monday.

"It is not clear whether they fell into the same region after being separated or
just plunged in one piece," Won Tae-jae, spokesman for the Ministry of National
Defense told reporters, declining to give coordinates for the crash site.
North Korea on Sunday launched a three-stage rocket from a launch pad on its east
coast, later announcing through its official media that it has successfully put a
communications satellite in orbit.
The reclusive country, which is suspected of having in fact tested ballistic
missile technology, released specific details as to the trajectory and function
of its "satellite."
South Korea and the U.S. dispute the success while Japan said it has yet to
detect any transmission of signals.
"The clear fact for now is that a satellite did not enter orbit," Won said.
Media reports suggest the final part of the rocket crashed 2,700-3,100 kilometers
away from the launch site after flying over Japan.