North Korea claims its 3rd attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit was successful

North Korea claims it has successfully placed a military spy satellite into orbit. The North's space authorities said in a statement issued early Wednesday that its space launch vehicle placed the Malligyong-1 satellite into orbit on Tuesday night.

North Korea claims it has successfully placed a military spy satellite into orbit.

The North's space authorities said in a statement issued early Wednesday that its space launch vehicle placed the Malligyong-1 satellite into orbit on Tuesday night.

The North's claim could not immediately be independently confirmed.

The North Korean statement says leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch. It said the spy satellite would enhance North Korea's war readiness in response to its rivals' hostile military moves.

The statement says the country plans to fire more spy satellites.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP's earlier story is below:

North Korea on Tuesday made an apparent third attempt to place a military spy satellite into orbit, South Korea's military said, demonstrating its determination to build a space-based surveillance system during protracted tensions with the United States.