North Korea has suggested that it is preparing to launch a rocket, not a missile, claiming the country has the right to “space development.”

The North’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Monday that space development is an independent right of North Korea and the requirement of the developing reality.

Pyongyang made a similar claim in 1998 when it test-fired its Daepodong One missile, saying it was nothing more than a peaceful attempt to embark on the development of a space program.

KCNA reported that people will eventually know what the North is planning to launch.

The report also strongly criticized Western media analysis that the North’s move to launch a long-range missile is aimed at attracting the attention of the Obama administration, saying that the North “needs no one’s attention.”