Internationally renowned journalist gives presentation on North Korea’s failed satellite launch
GOSHEN, NY (May 11, 2012) – NBC News Space Correspondent James Oberg gave a presentation on North Korea’s recent failed satellite launch Wednesday at Glen Arden, Elant’s continuing care retirement community in Goshen.
Oberg was one of just 47 international journalists allowed into North Korea for the recent launch attempt of the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite. He was the only professional “rocket scientist” brought along as consultant to any news media team. He shared with the crowd what he was and was not allowed to see on the trip, and what it possibly means for the future of both the North Korean space program and society in general.
“It was an honor to welcome Mr. Oberg to Glen Arden, as the presentation he shared with the residents was truly eye-opening and informative,” said Dee Steeger, Glen Arden’s Assistant Administrator. “We were very fortunate to hear directly from one of the few people in the world who have seen North Korea’s space program up-close. The insight and stories he shared were truly fascinating.”
Oberg is an NBC correspondent and a former NASA rocket scientist, and the only individual with his expertise to be admitted to North Korea’s top-secret space facilities. This made him a unique person to take part in the tour, as his background gave him the ability to make connections between what the North Korean space officials were showing the group and what they likely were hiding.
The press tour in North Korea was truly unprecedented, as it was the first time foreigners were allowed to visit any of the country’s launch bases. The tour included the country’s newest base at Sohae, in the northwestern region, as well as the satellite control center northeast of Pyongyang. Oberg’s tour group was promised it would see the satellite launch live; however, the launch was completed — and failed — without them being alerted.
Oberg is one of the world’s leading popularizers and interpreters of space exploration, helping to explain a wide range of space events for NBC News viewers. He is known for breaking inside stories before other news media outlets, leveraging his decades of experience as a space engineer. Oberg also contributes to a number of other publications and has written 10 books. To learn more about his work and the trip, visit http://www.jamesoberg.com.
The presentation is just one example of the events that are available to the residents of Glen Arden, which is one of just 12 lifecare communities in New York State.
Oberg is the son of Jean Oberg, one of Glen Arden’s residents. “My mother is living a rich and active life at Glen Arden, for which I am grateful to both her friends and the staff for enabling that,” he said. “I am happy she is in it.”
ABOUT GLEN ARDEN
Glen Arden, Elant’s continuing care retirement community, offers seniors the perfect combination – independence with the assurance of quality health care, if it’s ever needed. Located in beautiful and historic Goshen, N.Y., Glen Arden offers housing choices for an active lifestyle and support services to help residents live comfortably and independently.
ABOUT ELANT:
Elant is a comprehensive health care system that serves the needs of more than 3,500 individuals throughout the Hudson Valley region. The organization includes seven campuses and employs more than 1,200 dedicated individuals. Elant provides a full continuum of care, including Sub-Acute Care and Rehabilitation Services, Nursing Home Care, Assisted Living, Adult Day Care, Retirement Community Living, Home Health Care and a Managed Long Term Care Plan.
