The White House yesterday condemned North Korea’s successful launch of a long-range rocket, calling it a “highly provocative act” that threatens security.

The launch, which caught the world by surprise, apparently placed an object in Earth orbit, US officials said, but neither the missile nor debris from the launch posed a threat to North America.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also weighed in, saying the act will negatively impact prospects for peace and security in the region.