&gt;Why is it widely condemned when North Korea launches a satellite?<p>Because most countries view it as a cover for an ICBM program.  Anything that can launch a satellite into orbit can carry a nuke to the other side of the world.<p>&gt;Why does the article quote North Korea&#x27;s &quot;right&quot; to explore space in a peaceful manner?<p>Doesn&#x27;t it have that right?  Who is to say North Korea can&#x27;t launch satellites?<p>This is a tricky thing for other countries to navigate.  We really don&#x27;t have the right to tell them they can&#x27;t have satellites or nuclear power.  Other countries collectively launch satellites every week or so, and there are 438 operating nuclear reactors.<p>On the other hand... nobody trusts the Norks, and with good reason.  I guess it&#x27;s like interpersonal communications - reputation matters.