SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea says it's "seriously examining" the possibility of changing a launch window for a rocket it had planned to fire sometime after Monday.

The short statement in state media early Sunday by an unnamed spokesman for North Korea's space agency gave few details.

It says scientists are making preparations for liftoff but "are now seriously examining the issue of readjusting the launching time of the satellite for some reasons."

The United Nations and others call the launch a cover for a test of technology for a missile that could be used to target the United States.

North Korea says it's for a peaceful space program. The previously announced launch window runs from Monday to Dec. 22.

New satellite images indicate snow may have slowed preparations, but that Pyongyang could still be ready for liftoff Monday

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