North Korean missile scene exploded after satellite launch

One of the phases of the North Korean satellite launch missile exploded after the split Tuesday, the video captured by a South Korean astronomical observatory showed, in what some analysts said may have been deliberate destruction to prevent recovery.

North Korea launched its first spy satellite in orbit on Tuesday, as two previous efforts this year ended with the missile crash during flight.

The video has been filmed by a camera that the University of South Korea uses to see meteors. Analysts said it showed the Chollita-1 missile crossing the sky and a split part.

The South Korean Army is seeking to find and save remains from the missile, the South Korean Defence Ministry said in parliament Thursday.

The ministry said there was no comment on the video or reports of deliberate destruction.

After Chollinga-1's first launch in May sank into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and China, the South Korean Navy and the American found parts of the missile, including its satellite cargo, which, according to them, “was not suitable for military use”.

Ricperaging missile parts could provide valuable intelligence for its capabilities and components, experts have said, and South Korea has accused Russia of providing technical assistance to North Korea for this recent launch.

Russia denied any military co-operation, but President Vladimir Putin in September publicly promised to help North Korea build satellites.