North Korea: The Meaning of the Missile Launch

North Korea has announced its final preparations for a satellite launch, confirming overseas expectations of another long-range missile test. In openly declaring the launch — after months of allowing foreign satellites to observe preparations — Pyongyang is trying to ensure that there is little justification for attempts to shoot down the missile or implement sanctions on North Korea after the launch. But the public announcement also suggests stronger confidence from North Korea's scientists that the launch will be successful, and it might coincide with the expected revelation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's appointed successor.