The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has announced that it will launch a "working" satellite in mid-April to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of its founding leader, Kim Il Sung.

The DPRK announced that it will launch a long-range rocket mounted with a satellite to mark their late President Kim Il Sung's birthday on April 15th.

The launch will take place between April 12 and 16 from a station in North Phyongan province. The DPRK's state television says it is in line with the government's policy for space development and peaceful use.

KRT News Reader, said, "The DPRK will strictly abide by relevant international regulations and usage concerning the launch of scientific and technological satellites for peaceful purposes and ensure maximum transparency, thereby contributing to promoting international trust and co-operation in the field of space scientific research and satellite launches."

But analysts in South Korea say the launch is an attempt by the DPRK government to solidify the leadership of Kim Jong Un, who took power after his father Kim Jong Il died in December.

Prof. Yang Moo-Jin, Univ. of DPRK Studies, Seoul, said, "I think it is a way of celebrating the opening of the Kim Jong Un era. Also, it seems like the country is strategically trying to show the world how well-developed they are in science and military."

The DPRK's announcement comes just weeks after it pledged to halt all future nuclear tests, its uranium enrichment activities, and missile tests in exchange for food aid from the US. Friday's announcement has sparked immediate reactions from regional countries.