The United Nations Security Council has condemned North Korea for launching a long-range rocket in defiance of a UN resolution.
The council's president, Moroccan ambassador Mohammed Loulichk, said the "highly provocative" launch was a clear violation of Security Council resolutions and Pyongyang would face consequences.
The US and its allies view the launch as a disguised ballistic missile test, the BBC reports.
Western diplomats would like the UN statement of condemnation to be followed by a resolution in the coming days.
White House spokesman Jay Carney would not specify what consequences Washington was considering, saying it would first assess what action was taken by the Security Council.
US National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said the launch was another example of North Korea's pattern of irresponsible behaviour.
China has expressed "regret" at North Korea's action, but also urged restraint on any counter measures.
North Korea says a satellite has been placed in orbit by the Unha-3 rocket launched at 9.49am on Wednesday.
