The United States has told Japan that a long-range missile test-fired by North Korea this month exploded in mid-air just 1.5 kilometres from its launch site, much closer than previously estimated. US satellite information suggests the North's Taepodong-2 -- launched on July 5 - exploded over the northeast of the isolated country or its territorial waters on the rim of the Sea of Japan after about 40 seconds of flight. The missile was supposed to detach from a booster section after about three minutes, but the two failed to separate. It was still unclear what caused the missile to explode, but unidentified Japanese defence officials were quoted as saying the test launch appeared to have been "a complete failure." A US satellite has spotted debris from the missile. It is not known whether falling parts caused damage or casualties in North Korea. The Taepodong-2 may have been aimed into the Pacific Ocean.
A north Korean Taepodong-2 missile was test fired on July 4, 2006. According to preliminary reports, though, the missile failed in mid-flight soon after launch.