"You should develop and launch a variety of more working satellites including communications satellite and carrier rockets of bigger capacity," the official Korean Central News Agency quoted Kim as telling scientists and other people involved in the rocket launch.

On December 12, a North Korean three-stage rocket sent a Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite into orbit, drawing criticism from the international community and calls for stronger sanctions by the United Nations.

North Korea claims its new rocket was intended for putting a satellite into space for peaceful purposes, but the international community has widely condemned what it believes to be the development and testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) intended to carry nuclear warheads.