America called this provocation while North Korea called it progress in long distance fighting.

Officials: North Korean rocket could hit U.S. The rocket launched earlier this month by North Korea had the capability to travel more than 6,000 miles, meaning this type of rocket could strike the United States, South Korean defense officialssaid. In remarks to reportersFriday, which were embargoed until Sunday, three officials with South Korea's defense ministry offered their observations about theDecember 12 launch based on a recovered oxidizer tank that had been part of one of the rocket's boosters. According to NASA, an oxidizer tank contains oxygen compounds thatallow rocket fuel to burn in the atmosphere and outside of it, in space. North Korean officials cheered what they hailed as a successful launch of a long-range rocket, which they said put a satellite in orbit. But the mission drew international condemnation, with many viewing it as cover for testing of ballistic missile technology, which the United Nations has forbidden Pyongyang from using. Timeline: North Korea's rocket-fueled obsession The South Korean military officials said theevidence they found helps show their nuclear-equipped rival's intent and progress in developing intercontinental ballistic missiles. Based on a simulation, the officials estimated the rocket can travel more than 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles), meaning it could reach the U.S. mainland from North Korea. It cancarry a payload of about 500 to 600 kilograms (225 to 275 pounds). The oxidizer tank usedred fuming nitric acid, based on technology the officials said originated in the formerSoviet Union and can now be found in Iran. They said an Internet analysis suggests a technological connectionbetween North Korea and Iran, though there is no firm evidence thatany of the parts discovered thus far were imported from another country. The South Korean officials said the oxidizer tank appearedto be produced using rudimentary technology,suggesting it may have been made by hand. The rocket launch's success, after years offailed attempts, triggered worries among world leaders about nuclear weapons,Iran and the balance of power in the Pacific. U.S.Defense Secretary LeonPanetta called it a"clear provocation." Experts do not believe North Korea has a nuclear warhead small enough to fly on the kind of missile that Pyongyang has now proved it can send longdistance. But the launchdid allow the regime to flex its military and technological muscle on the world stage.