Do you suppose they will launch a 3-stage ICBM with a bigger payload next time?
I also heard that the end game (without using a nuke warhead) is to launch an ICBM with a conventional warhead and make it survive re-entry and detonate before hitting the ground. Do you think this is how they would proceed?
They sure could add a stage and get significant range and payload.
The Norks appear to have significant guidance problems with re-entry. Conventional munitions for any decent yield are very heavy also, but even 500 pounds would cause quite a fuss.
If I were the Norks, I would do a sub launch, conventional munitions, 250 miles off the coast of WA, CA, or OR and detonate suborbital, just inside international waters. They have that technology now, solid fuel, and have the subs to do it.
Legally, what would we say? That would really poke the bee hive.