North Korea celebrates rocket launch

In this Dec. 12, 2012 photo released by the Korean Central News Agency, North Korea's Unha-3 rocket lifts off from the Sohae launch pad in Tongchang-ri, North Korea. The satellite on board is orbiting normally, South Korea said on Thursday.

North Korea successfully fired the long-range rocket, defying international warnings as the regime of Kim Jong Un took a big step forward in its quest to develop a nuclear missile.

Credit: AP Photo/KCNA