Posted on 12/11/2019 6:08:50 AM PST by AmericanInTokyo
On December 7, North Korea claimed to have conducted a very important test at its Sohae Satellite Launching Station that will have an important impact on changing the strategic position of the DPRK.[1] The North Koreans did not describe what was tested, but prior open-source imagery suggests it was a static (ground) test of a large liquid-propellant rocket engine.[2] It remains to be seen what rocket system the engine was associated with: a previously launched intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), intermediate-range ballistic missile, space launch vehicle, or a new system. In any case, the static test could be the precursor to a full-up flight test of an ICBM or one of these other systems. If North Korea decides or has decided to resume full-up ICBM launches, its decision almost certainly will be governed primarily by political objectives rather than programmatic factors, and tests will be conducted within parameters Kim Jong Un sets. North Koreas rocket force developers and operators presumably would do the best they could to maximize value to the ICBM research, development and deployment effort within these parameters.
This article considers the possible technical objectives that North Korea might pursue if ICBM launches are resumed, within the political parameters set by the regime. Its principal conclusions are that North Korea is most likely to seek to improve the reliability and operational effectiveness of the Hwasong-15/KN-22 with a single warhead (rather than multiple warheads), that improving accuracy is unlikely to be an objective for a near-term ICBM test campaign, that the DPRK may not demonstrate missile defense penetration aids in flight tests (either because it cannot properly evaluate such tests or in order to conceal its penetration aid [penaid] capabilities) and that a next round of ICBM testing is unlikely to feature new types of ICBM systems.
(Excerpt) Read more at 38north.org ...
Might be time to leave the problem to the South Koreans...
Little Rocket Man’s launches could provide a good target for the U.S. to perfects its ability to shoot down ICBMs.
That time may have come and gone - the "I" in ICBM stands for Intercontinental, of which we is one of them.
It appears that the NORKS raided and old Ukrainian boneyard and got a limited number of rocket engines. This is why they made a great leap forward. But, they probably only have a handful.
Look for their homemade engines (with Iranian parts) to need a lot of testing.
Whats the 'C' then? lol.
There is no 'I' in 'TEAM AMERICA'
China’s economy is cracking under the weight of the Trump tariffs. This is China yanking NK’s chain.
Nothing would address the homeless problem and feces covered streets in San Francisco like a North Korean nuke.
"I'm crazy, gimme stuff..."
We never should have gone there in the first place.
I think the altitude is getting to you.
Or has making sure a missile doesn’t hit US become SK’s number one concern?
Everytime Beijing feels the heat from Trump on trade, they unleash their puppet Kim. Trump should just come out and state that fact.
Predicted several days ago when the president announced that there was no trade deal with the Chicoms, yet.
I hope the norks don’t nuke DC. Maybe they don’t understand how much the American people love DC and how demoralized we would be.
Some good answers and interesting thought here. But one of the prime reasons and causes being missed by posters so far.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.