SOME LAUNCHES, TESTS BY NORTH KOREA
July 4, 2009: Fires short-range missiles into the Sea of Japan.
May 25, 2009: Tests nuclear device and launches short-range surface-to-air missiles.
April 5, 2009: Launches long-range rocket in bid viewed in the West as a violation of U.N. resolutions prohibiting North Korea from engaging in nuclear and ballistic missile activity.
Oct. 9, 2006: Detonates a nuclear device, giving ally China a mere 20-minute warning.
July 5, 2006: Seven missiles fired.
Feb. 2005: Publicly declares it has nuclear weapons.
2002: It is discovered to be pursuing uranium-enrichment technology.
Aug. 31, 1998: Fires a Paektusan rocket, reportedly carrying a satellite into orbit. The launch coincided with the 50th anniversary of the country's independence from Japan.
