The projectile “quickly disappeared from radar before reaching the expected point of arrival,” the South Korean army was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency.
Seoul released images of the wreckage of the satellite and its launcher which they claim to have recovered from the Yellow Sea, 200 km from Eocheong Island.
These images show a large metallic cylinder-shaped structure with some tubes and wires at its end.
“From the recovered wreckage, experts will be able to get an idea of North Korea’s capabilities,” US analyst Ankit Panda told AFP.
The United States “strongly” condemned the launch of the satellite and warned that it “increases tensions” in the region.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on North Korea to end “such acts” and return to the negotiating table.
“Any launch using ballistic missile technology is contrary to Security Council resolutions,” he said in a statement.
panic and confusion
The shooting, which occurred early on Wednesday, caused confusion in Japan and Seoul.
Sirens sounded in the South Korean capital and the mayor’s office sent a “critical emergency” alert to all mobile phones at 06:41 (15:41 Mexico City time).
The alert, in which all citizens were urged to prepare for an evacuation, giving priority to “children and the elderly”, was canceled shortly after. The Interior Ministry said it was sent by mistake.