U.S. Warships Sent to Monitor North Korean Rocket Launch

The United States has sent four warships to North Korea in order to monitor a potential North Korean rocket launch. The U.S. warships are equipped with radar detection and other sensory tracking systems.

This would be the second rocket launch in 2012 and the U.S. military has been closely watching North Korea for signals that it may be intending to launch again. The U.S. Defense Department has continually warned North Korea about testing long-range missiles and there has been not communications with Pyongyang or its intentions that it may launch again soon.

The U.S. and several other nations have protested any further long-range missile tests. But, North Korean government said it in only putting a satellite into orbit. Japan has also joined the protests and it is putting its military on high alert and has announced that it will shoot down the missile if launched.

North Korea has never successfully launched a three-stage rocket, despite failed attempts. It has invested $480 million to launch a missile and another $30 million for the satellite.

The launch is expected to take place in December where a lot of important events are taking place. December 17th marks the first anniversary of death of North Korean leader Kim Jong- il. And, December 19th is South Korea’s presidential election.