Japan confirms object launched into space by North Korea orbiting Earth

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said Friday that the government has confirmed "some object" launched by North Korea is "orbiting the Earth," after Pyongyang launched what it has said is a reconnaissance satellite into space earlier this week, Report informs via Kyodo News.

Kihara told reporters that the latest assessment was made in collaboration with the United States and South Korea, but refrained from commenting on whether the North's satellite launch was successful.

He also said Japan will carefully analyze whether the object has been functioning as intended since its launch.

On Wednesday, North Korea claimed through its official media that it had "successfully" launched a new rocket carrying a reconnaissance satellite the previous day and had placed it "accurately" in orbit.

South Korea said Thursday that the North's launch was successful and that the projectile has been put into orbit, adding Pyongyang received technological assistance from Russia.