He says circumstantial evidence indicates the launch involves a long-range missile rather than a satellite. He adds, the technology for both are almost identical.

S. -north Korean relations and without the prospect of serious talks, Pyongyang ended the moratorium in 2006 and conducted long-range missile launches that year and in 2009.

For example, Gates said recently he wants to spend more on a new long-range nuclear bomber and updated electronics gear for the Navy that could throw an incoming missile off course.