North Korea informs IMO of satellite launch between May 31 and June 11

North Korea informed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Tuesday of a satellite launch slated to take place between May 31 and June 11, the organization said.

The tip was a courtesy, not a requirement, the IMO said as navigational warnings are disseminated directly to shipping via the World-Wide Navigational Warning System. "DPRK sent an email containing the information already disseminated via the Worldwide Navigation Warning system," the IMO said in an email to Reuters, referring to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The IMO confirmed that North Korea sent a navigational warning to Japan's coast guard on Monday about its satellite launch including the reserved launch date and falling area coordinates.