[UPDATES] North Korea hails solid-fuel rocket engine test

By Park Sae-jin Posted : March 24, 2016, 10:09 Updated : March 24, 2016, 17:56

[Courtesy of Rodong Sinmun]



North Korean leader Kim Jon-Un hailed a "successful" solid-fuel engine test that could enhance the power of ballistic rockets capable of dealing a merciless blow to enemies, state media said Thursday.

If confirmed, the test could be seen as a breakthrough in Pyongyang's missile program because liquid fuel has been used for previous long-range rocket launches, including the latest one on February 7.

Solid fuel is more stable and convenient than liquid fuel. Scientists say it will help North Korea reduce the size and launch time of missiles.

South Korea's defense ministry said North Korea appeared to be in the stage of developing a solid-fuel engine.  "The switch to solid fuel means (North Korea) can launch missiles more often than before,"  ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun told reporters.

Kim said the test would help North Korea enhance "the power of ballistic rockets capable of dealing a merciless blow to the enemies", according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

KCNA said scientists have "successfully" completed their mission only six months after Kim's order was issued.

Pyongyang's bombastic state media has publicized alleged achievements in missile and nuclear programs almost every day since the February 7 launch brought tough international sanctions against the isolated country.

Kim has vowed to launch more rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads, saying North Korea has acquired re-entry technology.

Many experts have expressed doubts about North Korea's ability to miniaturize a nuclear warhead to be mounted on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICMB), but Kim said his country has acquired related technology.

It is impossible to verify North Korea's claim of success in developing a warhead capable of surviving the heat and shocks of re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere, but South Korea's defense ministry has repeatedly said there's no evidence that Pyongyang has mastered the required technology.

In a new report, 38 North, the website of a US research institute, said North Korea might have conducted a simulation test of re-entry technology at a missile complex southwest of Pyongyang.

The report was based on photographs released by Pyongyang's state media that showed Kim guiding a test of the nose cone for what appears to be the KN-08 ICBM re-entry vehicle.

The photographs show a vertical engine test stand that is "considerably smaller and more rudimentary", 38 North said, adding the simulation appeared to have been conducted at the Chamjin missile factory, one of North Korea’s primary missile production facilities.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
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