The vice director of the Space Development of the Committee said:

Kwangmyongsong-3, which is to be launched under the DPRK government's policy on space development for peaceful purposes, is an earth observation satellite for collecting data essential for the country's economic development.

The satellite is to be blasted off southward by carrier rocket Unha-3 from Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province. It will go along the solar synchronous orbit at 500km altitude.

As seen through Sunday visit to the launching station, the satellite assembly and other preparations are in the process.

We chose safe trajectory so that the carrier rocket debris to be caused after its launch do not affect neighboring countries and regions. We also informed international organizations and surrounding regions of falling points in line with international regulations and practices.

Experienced space scientific and technological experts and journalists from around the world were invited to visit the Sohae Satellite Launching Station where they saw the satellite, a launch pad with the carrier rocket in position and the General Launch Command Centre.

They will also visit the General Satellite Control and Command Center in Pyongyang and watch in a safe place the launch of Kwangmyongsong-3.

Through the satellite launch we will contribute to promoting international confidence and strengthening cooperation and exchange in space scientific researches and in the field of satellite launch.

The officials of the Committee answered questions raised by reporters.

The participants swapped views on a series of matters of mutual concern as regards the DPRK government's space scientific researches and scientific and technological satellite launches for peaceful purposes.