So in your opinion there probably is no satellite?
Long a satellite first of the U.S.S.R. and then of China, North Korea just wants a little satellite of its very own.
Could be, but they are doing it the hard way, and given there spectacular lack of success, I’m skeptical that it is an attempt to orbit.
A problem for the Norks is that even if they attempt a perfectly legitmate minimum energy orbital launch, the initial trajectory is straight for Hawaii, which will make NORAD very nervous.
My guess is that they are actually trying to launch a satellite though its only function may be to beep and broadcast their anthem. It is said that the 1998 launch included a third stage which came close to achieving orbital velocity.
It's still a good way to test a missile. Just take off the third stage and put on the warhead.