The hugely anticipated long range rocket launch by North Korea has failed, to deliver a satellite in to orbit. In a statement released by Pyongyang, the reclusive state confirmed the rocket crashed, after flying 75 miles from the launch site, into the sea off the west coast of South Korea.

North Korea says the aim of the rocket was to launch a satellite into orbit - a move marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of national founder Kim Il-sung. But the US and other nations say the launch constituted a disguised test of long-range missile technology banned under UN resolutions.

Speaking at a news conference South Korea's military chief Kim Kwan-Jin held a meeting with U.S. diplomats and military officials where he talked about the failed launch

"Intelligence forces of South Korea and the United States did a great job in controlling the situation safely. Also I would like to express my gratitude to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and General James Thurman for taking measures after figuring out the situation clearly."

The ministry also added they were dispatching ships to try to retrieve the rocket, which it said split into 20 fragments as the first and second stages failed to separate

Meanwhile University Professor Toshimitsu Shigemura speaking from Japan, said that whilst this attempt failed, due to the continuing sanctions placed on North Korea they would definitely try again

"I think the possibility of a nuclear test is quite high. I think there will probably be new sanctions or strengthening of sanctions by the U.S. and South Korea. So North Korea will likely look for ways to not bow to outside pressure and will hold a nuclear test to do so."