Exactly 7 minutes after North Korea launches its rocket, it would be just above Japan coast.
In 1998, Japan was caught unaware when the second stage of a North Korean test rocket sailed over its main island before dropping into the ocean. This time, North Korea says it plans to put a satellite into orbit. The U.S. and its allies say they fear the launch will actually serve as a test for a ballistic missile. Japan is talking really tough this time around. Japan first hinted that it would shoot at the rocket. Then it has indicated that it would shoot down the debris if any which falls. Japan has moved to high alert. Some commercial flights have been rerouted from the rocket’s projected flight path.