South Korean media vied with each other to report that the north's second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 was successfully put into its orbit.

Yonhap News said quite contrary to the international community's expectation the north successfully lifted off its satellite at a lightning speed on Wednesday, adding that it is going round the earth, following its planned trajectory.

Hankuk Ilbo Wednesday said under the title "The north launched a satellite, stunning the world" that the north launched its satellite, striking at a vital point at a time the international community has never expected.

It said the north could succeed in the satellite lift-off thanks to the features of carrier rocket Unha-3, specifying its technological advantages.

KBS said Unha-3 was more advanced in its technology than carrier rockets of other countries, adding that the satellite's entry into its orbit by dint of carrier rocket signifies independent technological power as a space body.

It added the north was considerably advanced in space technology.

Dr. Chae Yon Sok of the south Korean Air and Space Research Center, said the north was most successful of the satellite lift-offs as all parts worked normally.

Jong Song Jang, a senior researcher of the Sejong Research Centre, and Jo Yun Yong, a professor of Joongang University, were of the view that the north's successful satellite launch gave it leverage to pressurize the U.S. hard.

Kim Yon Chol, a professor of Inje University, said in case the U.S. and other countries slap additional sanctions on the north over its satellite launch on Wednesday it is skeptical that this would prove workable, adding the U.S. may opt for positive negotiations with the north from its judgment that its present strategy would not help settle the situation.