North Korea’s controversial rocket launch failed early Friday within 90 seconds of taking off.  

It was an embarrassing set-back for North Korea’s new leader Kim Jong-un. But with all eyes on the reclusive country and the presence of foreign media, officials were forced to acknowledge the failure with a brief statement on state TV.

James Oberg, NBC News’s space expert and a 22-year NASA veteran, answered reader questions about the failed launch from Pyongyang earlier today.

Please click on the link below to read the chat.

Click to see more of Oberg's reports from North Korea