Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Foreign media persons and experts on space science and technology Sunday toured the Sohae Satellite Launching Station situated in Cholsan County of North Phyongan Province. The DPRK announced its plan to launch the first working satellite on the centenary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung.
Scientists and technicians of the DPRK are set to launch Kwangmyongsong-3, the earth observation satellite, manufactured by their own efforts and with indigenous technology in the wake of its successful launch of two experimental satellites pursuant to the DPRK government's policy on space development and peaceful use. This is an inspiring deed and an event of historic significance of the nation as it demonstrates the leaping development of space science and technology of the country.

It is a law-governed requirement of the age of science and technology and a worldwide trend to develop and use the working satellite needed for the country's economic development.

Kwangmyongsong-3, the creme and an integral whole of latest science and technology, took on its appearance as a working satellite in line with the international standard and a firm material and technological foundation has been laid for its launch and normal operation, providing a sure guarantee for its credibility and security.

As reported, the Korean Committee for Space Technology organized the visit as an exception, going beyond international practice, to show the peaceful nature of the satellite launch in a transparent manner.

The visitors first went round a test site of the satellite launching station. They saw the general distribution map of the launching station and earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-3.

They were briefed on the mission and performance of the polar-orbiting earth observation satellite: It will gather necessary information on the distribution of forestry resources in the country, severity of natural disasters, crop estimate, weather forecast and survey of natural resources during polar orbit.

They viewed the carrier rocket Unha-3 on the launch pad.

Seeing the satellite and carrier rocket whose transparency is ensured to the maximum, they had deep understanding of the fact that the DPRK's satellite launch is aimed at space development and use for peaceful purposes from A to Z.

They were admired to learn that the space science and technology of the DPRK has entered the practical stage of satellite after going through an experimental stage and reached such level where it can choose the position of satellite launch and the direction of its launch as it wishes.

They learned in detail about the preparations for launching the satellite in the General Launch Command Centre.

The visit to the launching station for the working satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 which will contribute to promoting the international confidence and boosting cooperation in the field of space scientific research and satellite launch offered the visitors an opportunity to realize the might of another space power advancing towards the world standards by pushing back the frontiers of latest science and technology.