NBC News’ space expert answers questions about North Korea’s satellite launch

The five-day window for the launch of a North Korean rocket mounted with an observation satellite opened Thursday as the rest of the world waits to see if Pyongyang will defy international warnings and go ahead with the controversial mission.NBC News is in North Korea to observe …

In Egypt, entry of ex-spy chief ups the ante in presidential election

CAIRO – The battle lines have been drawn in Egypt’s presidential election between two of the major candidates, Muslim Brotherhood Khairat Al-Shater and former intelligence chief Omar Suleiman. In his first shot across the bow, financier Al-Shater announced that  …

Ai Weiwei turns camera on himself, citing ‘global’ problem

BEIJING – A day after installing home cameras to parody the Chinese police’s 24-hour surveillance of himself, Ai Weiwei says he has not received any adverse reaction so far from authorities. ”Nobody cares I guess, or maybe they have no idea yet,” Ai told NBC News in a …

NBC’s space expert Jim Oberg on N.Korea launch failure

North Korea’s controversial rocket launch failed early Friday within 90 seconds of taking off.  It was an embarrassing set-back for North Korea’s new leader Kim Jong-un. But with all eyes on the reclusive country and the presence of foreign media, officials …

North Koreans desperate for Western approval of launch

PYONGYANG, North Korea – With just one day before North Korea’s expected controversial satellite launch to commemorate the 100th birthday of “Great Leader” Kim Il-sung, the government invited journalists to view its Mission Control – the nerve cente …

N.Koreans desperate for Western approval of launch

PYONGYANG, North Korea – With just one day before North Korea’s expected controversial satellite launch to commemorate the 100th birthday of “Great Leader” Kim Il-sung, the government invited journalists to view its Mission Control – the nerve cente …

Hollywood-style drama in Chinese political murder mystery

BEIJING – The political shock waves set off from within a U.S. diplomatic compound by a disgruntled ex-cop in the southwestern city of Chengdu have culminated into what may well be China’s biggest political scandal in years.  Already removed from a powerfu …

N. Korea’s ‘unconvincing’ answers to satellite questions

PYONGYANG – Officials from North Korea’s Space Technology Committee held a special press conference for journalists today in the capital, Pyongyang. Among the topics discussed: Ongoing questions regarding the possible arming of North Korea’s rockets and the cou …

A rare peek inside North Korea

North Korea has invited international journalists into the reclusive country to witness the launch of what they say is a weather observation satellite using a three-stage rocket in mid-April. The satellite launch is timed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of North  …

A peek inside North Korea

North Korea has invited international journalists into the reclusive country to witness the launch of what they say is a weather observation satellite using a three-stage rocket in mid-April. The satellite launch is timed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of North  …