Japan Issues Emergency Warning as North Korea Attempts Second Spy Satellite Launch

North Korea launched a space rocket, its second attempt this year, prompting an emergency warning in Japan's Okinawa prefecture. The missile passed through towards the Pacific Ocean, leading the Japanese government to lift the warning. Japan plans to lodge a protest with North Korea, while the US military is aware of the launch but has not provided details. North Korea had previously stated its intention to launch a satellite, claiming it needed a military reconnaissance satellite to monitor US military activities. The May launch was deemed a provocation and violation of UN Security Council resolutions.