Space

ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization

ICAO NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PIO 02/09

ICAO OFFICIALLY ADVISED OF
DPRK PLANS FOR ROCKET LAUNCH

MONTREAL, 12 March 2009 - The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been officially advised by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) of its intention to proceed with the launch of a communications satellite, under the terms of the DPRK’s long-term plan for space development.

In a letter sent to ICAO on 11 March, the DPRK indicates that the launch would take place between 4 and 8 April, and between 0200 and 0700 (UTC). The letter also identifies two potential “danger” areas. In ICAO terms, a danger area refers to an airspace of defined dimensions within which activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft may exist at specified times. The two areas in question are described as:

Area one

1) N404140 E1353445
2) N402722 E1383040
3) N401634 E1383022
4) N403052 E1353426

Area two

1) N343542 E1644042
2) N312222 E1721836
3) N295553 E1721347
4) N330916 E1643542

In his reply, the President of the Council of ICAO, Mr. Roberto Kobeh González, urged DPRK authorities, if they had not already done so, to comply with provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and issue appropriate advisories to all concerned parties. He further stated that he would use all available means to notify the international civil aviation community of the times and coordinates provided by the Member State of ICAO.

Editor’s note: Please find attached a map produced by ICAO, identifying the danger areas.

- END -

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 190 Contracting States.