TOKYO - Japan's upper house adopted a resolution Friday urging the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to halt its planned satellite launch next month.

The planned launch that employs ballistic missile technology was a "violation" of a UN Security Council resolution, said the resolution.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told the parliament that if the DPRK insisted on the launch, such a move would undermine efforts to solve outstanding issues through dialogue.  

Japanese Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka said Monday he was mulling an order for the Self-Defense Forces to intercept the rocket if it passes through Japan's skies.

Tanaka said the ministry would take thorough measures to protect the country if necessary and planned to deploy ground- based Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptors or PAC 3, missile defense system and Aegis-equipped destroyers, local media reported.

The DPRK announced last week it would launch an "earth observation" satellite, or the Kwangmyongsong-3, using a long- range rocket to mark the 100th birthday of late leader Kim Il-Sung.

The satellite would be launched from a station in North Phyongan province between April 12 and 16, the DPRK's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported, citing a spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology.