North Korea could be ready to launch satellite 'in time for Super Bowl kickoff'

Satellite images of the Sohae rocket launch site in North Korea apparently show fuelling activity

Airbus Defense & Space and 38 North satellite imagery shows the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in North Korea (Reuters)

North Korea has allegedly brought forward the rocket launch for its satellite in time for the Super Bowl.

Satellite images of the Sohae rocket launch site in North Korea apparently show fuelling activity usually seen shortly before a launch, according to Washington-based 38 North, a North Korea-monitoring project.

Previously North Korea had told the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) it would launch the rocket at some point between 8 and 25 February, leading to opposition from international governments who have accused North Korea of testing long-range missiles.

US government sources said North Korea could be ready by the US Super Bowl kickoff on Sunday, which will be Monday in Korea.

The United States has deployed missile defence systems that will work with Japanese and South Korean militaries to track the launch.

Japan has warned it will shoot down the rocket if it threatens the country and has accelerated its development of two additional PAC-3 missile units, according to the Guardian.

State media in North Korea has not yet reported on the changed schedule.

North Korea last launched a long-range rocket in December 2012, sending an object described as a communications satellite into orbit.