Despite strong international pressure, North Korea proceeded with its satellite launch Sunday. The U.S. Strategic command has confirmed that it detected a missile entering space and deposited what the South Korean military called an "object" into orbit, Reuters reported. North Korea claimed that it is an Earth observation satellite and recent reports indicate that it passed over Levi's Stadium, where the Super Bowl was held, an hour after the game ended.
The Kwangmyongsong or "Shining Star" became North Korea's second satellite, and it completes its orbit in 94 minutes. The first satellite was successfully launched into space in 2012. The North American Aerospace Command, which keeps track of all satellites in space, revealed that the newest satellite passed almost right over Levi's Stadium.
"It passed almost directly overhead Silicon Valley, which is where I am and where the stadium is," Martyn Williams, a tech watcher, told the Associated Press. "The pass happened at 8:26 p.m., after the game. I would put it down to nothing more than a coincidence, but an interesting one."
The satellite launch was celebrated across North Korea with a lavish fireworks display Monday night, according to CNN. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was also pictured with the white rocket as it lifted off as he was surrounded by a cheering military entourage.
The story, however, is different on the international stage. The Feb. 7 launch drew condemnation even from countries allied with the state, such as China and Russia. The United Nations is now mulling tighter sanctions as the rocket launch is considered a violation of several U.N. resolutions, BBC News reported.
