Its manufacture and successful launch was a result of the devoted efforts made by leader Kim Jong Il to display the national strength.

The leader had wisely guided the work to develop the satellite, a complex of ultra-modern science and technology, in reliance upon the nation's efforts, technology and resources.

He organized a research group with able scientists and technicians and indicated in detail the matters related to the development of satellite.

Under his deep care, the group could manufacture the country's first satellite with 100 percent domestic technology and efforts and succeed in putting it into the set orbit at one launch.

When the satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 was launched, too, Kim Jong Il visited the satellite control centre to watch the process of its launch together with space scientists and technicians.

He said with satisfaction that the U.S. imperialists and its followers threatened to intercept the satellite launch, but the DPRK successfully launched Kwangmyongsong-2 into orbit with its firm independent stand.

The successful launch of Kwangmyongsong-2 rocked the whole world in an instant. Media of 100-odd countries highlighted this news.

The DPRK's tremendous strength as a space power has been further demonstrated to the full under the guidance of supreme leader Kim Jong Un.

It launched a sci-tech satellite Kwangmyongsong 3-2 in December 2012 and an earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 in February 2016 under the 2016 plan of the 5-year plan for national aerospace development.

The launches marked a milestone in developing the nation's science and technology, economy and defence capabilities.

The National Aerospace Development Administration of the DPRK declared that it would launch more satellites of Juche into space, true to the Workers' Party of Korea's policy of attaching importance to science and technology.