The era when travelers will be able to catch a flight from New Mexico to outer space moved a step closer this week with the official start of construction of Spaceport America.

North Korea says it will attack the Japanese military and “major targets,“ if Japan shoots down a rocket Pyongyang plans to launch in the coming days. Sources say the “bulbous” shroud atop the rocket could indicate satellite aboard. The US says any kind of launch will give the North Koreans valuable information about improving their ballistic missile program.