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N.Korea 'Transports Missile to Launch Site'(launch possible as early as Feb. 25)
Chosun Ilbo ^ | 02/13/09

Posted on 02/12/2009 8:38:46 PM PST by TigerLikesRooster

N.Korea 'Transports Missile to Launch Site'

North Korea has transported a missile to a launch site in Musudan-ri on the east coast using a special covered cargo carriage to make it difficult to track, intelligence agencies claimed Thursday.

This 40m-long special cargo carriage is double the length of an ordinary carriage and said to be capable of carrying the first and second-stage rockets and components of the Taepodong-2. But South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies cannot say how large the missile is.

They assume that North Korea is now assembling the missile at the launch site in Musudan-ri, North Hamgyong Province and could test-launch it at the earliest on Feb. 25, the first anniversary of President Lee Myung-bak's inauguration.

A South Korean official said, "The Taepodong-2, which has been transported to the launch site in Musudan-ri recently, has not been seen near the launch pad yet. We assume that they are currently assembling the first and second-stage rockets."

The missile only has to be moved to the launch pad, raised to vertical position, and filled with liquid fuel once the first and second-stage rockets are assembled. Given the time needed, it is unlikely that it will be ready for Feb. 16, leader Kim Jong-il's birthday.

Spying equipment has also recorded unusually busy activity at the site.


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: launch; missile; nkorea; taepodong2

1 posted on 02/12/2009 8:38:46 PM PST by TigerLikesRooster
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To: TigerLikesRooster; AmericanInTokyo; Steel Wolf; nuconvert; MizSterious; nw_arizona_granny; ...
In a last couple of days, the prevailing consensus in S. Korean media shifted toward early launch between Feb. 16 and Feb. 25. Technically, the missile won't be ready for launch in time for Kim Jong-il's birthday, but is possible in the aforementioned time widow during which Hitlery tours E. Asia and S. Korean admin has first anniversary in power.

Of course, the launch is contingent on change in U.S. attitude. They may extend this preparation period as a step-by-step escalation. N. Korea always keeps their enemy guessing, loves to put them off guard and is intent on maximizing the dramatic effect out of their show.

2 posted on 02/12/2009 8:48:31 PM PST by TigerLikesRooster (kim jong-il, chia head, ppogri, In Grim Reaper we trust)
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To: TigerLikesRooster

Given the less than spectacular test record of TD-2s, I doubt they’ll be rushing the assembly, fueling, checkout, and subsequent launch. Of course, once they have it ready, they’ll probably launch fairly quickly after that. I don’t think these things take to well to being left out in the weather...


3 posted on 02/12/2009 8:58:44 PM PST by CodeMasterPhilzar (I love my Country, but I now genuinely fear my government.)
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To: TigerLikesRooster

Is a missile fair play once it leaves the territorial waters and air space?


4 posted on 02/12/2009 9:04:12 PM PST by Walkingfeather
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Comment #5 Removed by Moderator

To: TigerLikesRooster
Everyone, relax! The Great Obama is in charge! /s


6 posted on 02/12/2009 9:13:16 PM PST by Prole (Please pray for the families of Chris and Channon. May God always watch over them.)
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To: TigerLikesRooster

BTTT


7 posted on 02/12/2009 9:20:39 PM PST by Jet Jaguar (Atlas Shrugged Mode: ON)
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To: Alas Babylon!; American_Centurion; An.American.Expatriate; ASA.Ranger; ASA Vet; Ax; Azeem; ...

PRK ping.....again.


8 posted on 02/12/2009 9:23:41 PM PST by BIGLOOK (Keelhaul Congress! It's the sensible solution to restore Command to the People.)
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To: BIGLOOK

Yep. Here we go again.


9 posted on 02/12/2009 10:41:53 PM PST by AmericanInTokyo (AiT: 10 years with Free Republic coming up this Wednesday ;-))
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To: TigerLikesRooster

Shoot it down! How will they know.


10 posted on 02/12/2009 10:48:34 PM PST by Always Independent
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To: TigerLikesRooster; Jet Jaguar; monkapotamus; AmericanInTokyo; All

Maybe Chia Pet want piece of that stilmus package eh?


11 posted on 02/13/2009 11:26:25 AM PST by SevenofNine ("We are Freepers, all your media belong to us, resistence is futile")
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To: SevenofNine

He’s got an expensive drinking habit to pay for.


12 posted on 02/13/2009 5:32:16 PM PST by rdl6989
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