NKorea Speculation Overshadows SKorean Rocket South Korea is counting down to what would be its first launch of a satellite into orbit from its own soil. But speculation that rival North Korea could be gearing up to fire its own long-range rocket has overshadowed Seoul's planned Thursday liftoff. A failed North Korean launch attempt in April drew United Nations condemnation and worsened already tense relations between the Koreas. Washington, Seoul and others say that North Korea's rocket launches are veiled tests of banned ballistic missile technology. North Korea says it's trying to put a satellite into orbit. South Korea failed in its two previous attempts to launch a rocket from its soil in 2009 and 2010. Recent DigitalGlobe satellite images show apparently increased activity at a North Korean launch station.