Since nothing went into orbit, it is safe to say that this was a range test of their three stage rocket called "Bird of Fire 2" or Taepodong-2.

North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket in defiance of international pressure has redoubled concerns about its nuclear weapons programme - and the targets that may soon fall within its reach.
Although Pyongyang insisted that the aim of yesterday's exercise was to send a communications satellite into orbit, regional powers strongly suspect it was a covert military exercise, since the rocket used, the Taepodong-2, is equally capable of carrying warheads.
The principal concern about the Taepodong-2 is its range. Theoretically it can fly up to 4,160 miles, putting Alaska and Hawaii within reach. Yesterday's manoeuvre is certain to revive debate in the US about the deployment and efficacy of missile defence shields on the west coast.
George Bush ordered a pared down version of a missile defence system to be built in 2002. Twenty interceptor missiles have already been installed in underground silos at Fort Greely, Alaska, and 20 more are planned during the next 18 months.
But critics say the interceptors are inadequately equipped to work against sophisticated intercontinental rockets which can take countermeasures to evade strikes. Those include creating clouds of dust around themselves, using miniature jammers to block radar signals and launching several balloons to act as decoys.

AND NOW FOR FOX NEWS AND KAY B. on the launch:
http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=4208785&maven_referralPlaylistId=&sRevUrl=http://www.foxnews.com/