The US grumbled about possible missile applications, but that was pretty much it.
Now, North Korea is preparing to launch a rocket to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birthday of its founder, and it too is telling the world that its goal is to get a satellite into orbit.
But the international condemnation is much louder over the satellite launch North Korea plans this month, with the US promising to scrap a food aid deal if the rocket is launched.
Though the international community is concerned about both countries' satellite launches, Pyongyang's efforts are seen as a greater threat, in part because it already is believed to be capable of producing nuclear weapons.