Key dates in North Korea's nuclear and missile program:
- August 1998: Test fires Taepodong-1, its first long-range rocket, over Japan as part of failed "satellite launch."
- September 1999: Pledges to freeze long-range missile tests amid improving ties with U.S.
- March, 2005: Ends moratorium on missile tests, blames "hostile" policy of U.S.
- July 5, 2006: Test fires seven ballistic missiles, including long-range Taepodong-2, which fails less than a minute after launch.
- July 15, 2006: U.N. Security Council adopts Resolution 1695, demanding Pyongyang halt missile program.
- October 9, 2006: Conducts first underground nuclear test
- October 15, 2006: U.N. Security Council adopts Resolution 1718 demanding halt to missile and nuclear tests, banning sale of weapons
- April 5, 2009: Launches long-range rocket that lands in Pacific. Claims success, but U.S. says no satellite placed in orbit.
- April 13, 2009: U.N. Security Council condemns launch, tightens sanctions. Pyongyang quits six-party nuclear talks.
- May 2009: Conducts second underground nuclear test.
- June 2009: Security Council passes Resolution 1874, imposing tougher sanctions.
- February 2012: Announces moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile programs in exchange for U.S. food aid.
- April 2012: Launches long-range rocket, which falls apart shortly after lift-off. Acknowledges failure.