Kang Ha Guk, vice-minister of Public Health, told KCNA:

"The successful satellite launch made me sorely miss general secretary Kim Jong Il, who had worked heart and soul for the scientific and technological development of the country. Thanks to his devoted efforts, our country has joined a small number of countries capable of manufacturing satellite and even carrier rocket.

The launch gives a glimpse of the DPRK's tremendous potentials."

Jang Jun Sang, a department director of the Ministry, said:

"I was told that the carrier rocket and satellite were all manufactured by the DPRK with its own technologies.

I am so happy that our country is capable of manufacturing and successfully launching satellite. I will redouble my efforts to develop the nation's medical science."