The North Korean authorities have officially delayed the launch of the long-range rocket currently being readied at a launch site in Cheolsan County, North Pyongan Province, extending the launch window until December 29th.

Releasing a statement from the Korean Committee of Space Technology carried by Chosun Central News Agency (KCNA) announced moments ago, “As per the statement released previously, Chosun’s scientists and technicians are in the final stages of preparing for the launch of the second version of the scientific and technical satellite ‘Gwangmyungsung-3.'

“In the process, a technical fault has been discovered in the first stage steering motor module of the delivery rocket, so the expected launch date has been extended to December 29th.”

The move came after a statement announcing the possibility of a launch delay was released by KCNA over the weekend.