North Korea's Satellite Launch Plans Heighten Tensions and Security Concerns.

North Korea has notified Japan of its plans to launch a satellite in the coming days, which may be an attempt to put Pyongyang's first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit. Japan's Defense Minister has ordered the Self Defense Force to shoot down the satellite or debris if any entered Japanese territory. To launch a satellite into space, North Korea would have to use long-range missile technology banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions. Japan has already been on standby for falling missile debris from North Korean launches earlier this year and has deployed missile defense systems.