Solar Energy News
ROCKET SCIENCE
North Korea tests engine for new hypersonic missile
North Korea tests engine for new hypersonic missile
by Thomas Maresca
Washington DC (UPI) Mar 20, 2024

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test of a solid-fuel engine for a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile, state media reported Wednesday, one day after observing the launch of short-range ballistic missiles.

The test was conducted at the Sohae Satellite Launching Facility on the country's west coast Tuesday, state-run Korean Central News Agency said.

"The military strategic value of this weapon system is appreciated as important as ICBM from the security environment of our state and the operational demand of the People's Army and enemies know better about it," Kim said, according to KCNA.

The report added that a timetable for completing the development of the new weapons system was "set through the great success in the important test."

In January, Pyongyang said it test-fired a new solid-fuel intermediate-range missile with a hypersonic warhead, which could place U.S. military installations in Guam -- around 2,100 miles away -- within reach. Hypersonic weapons travel at least five times the speed of sound and are designed to be maneuverable, making them difficult to intercept.

A hypersonic missile was among the laundry list of weapons to be developed that Kim Jong Un laid out at a party congress in January 2021, alongside nuclear-powered submarines, submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles, "ultramodern tactical nuclear weapons" and military satellites.

Kim "expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the development projects have been successfully completed in the strategic weapon sector during the period of the five-year plan," Wednesday's KCNA report said.

The engine test came one day after Kim oversaw firing drills of the North's KN-25 super-large multiple rocket launcher system. Seoul and Washington categorize the system's nuclear-capable 600mm artillery as a short-range ballistic missile.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain at their highest in years, as Pyongyang has kept up a steady stream of threats, weapons tests and military exercises. In January, Kim declared South Korea the "most harmful and primary enemy of our country" and said the North had the "legality to attack and destroy at any time."

The United States and South Korea have increased their military cooperation in response to the North's s provocations, with expanded drills and the deployment of U.S. assets to the Peninsula. The allies completed their annual Freedom Shield springtime joint military exercise last week, which Pyongyang condemned as preparation for an invasion.

Related Links
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
ROCKET SCIENCE
CASC Welcomes Chen Mingbo as New Chairman in Strategic Leadership Refresh
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Mar 18, 2024
In a significant leadership transition, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has announced the appointment of Chen Mingbo as its new chairman and Communist Party secretary. This move comes at a pivotal moment for CASC, positioning it for further competition with global space industry leaders. Chen Mingbo steps into the role previously held by Wu Yansheng, marking a notable shift in the helm of China's premier aerospace defense contractor. The announcement, made through the ... read more

ROCKET SCIENCE
Turning CO2 into Methanol at Room Temperature

Tripling the US Bioeconomy: The Billion-Ton Report's Blueprint for Sustainable Biomass

Greenhouse gas repurposed in University of Auckland experiments

Inexpensive, carbon-neutral biofuels are finally possible

ROCKET SCIENCE
Advanced robots perceived as more blameworthy for civilian casualties

AI-Enabled Satellites to Revolutionize Earth Observation and Communications

The Necessary Collaboration between Robots and Humans in Space Exploration

UN General Assembly calls for guidelines on AI's risks, rewards

ROCKET SCIENCE
Swedish-Belgian group wins Norway's first offshore wind license

Wind-powered Dutch ship sets sail for greener future

Leaf-shaped generators create electricity from the wind and rain

European offshore wind enjoys record year in 2023

ROCKET SCIENCE
Renault CEO urges 'Marshall Plan' for Europe electric vehicles

14 killed, 37 injured in north China road tunnel accident

Biden admin unveils strict auto standards to speed electric shift

Italy says it wants Chinese carmakers but only under conditions

ROCKET SCIENCE
UK 'net zero' economy bucks recession: study

Unveiling a new class of plasma waves: implications for fusion energy

KULR Technology Secures Key Contract with Nanoracks to Boost Space Battery Innovation

Bosnia's lithium discovery raises hopes and fears

ROCKET SCIENCE
Harnessing Advanced Nuclear Fuels for Global Energy Sustainability: The Journey of Ericmoore Jossou at MIT

Nuclear's EU comeback on show at Brussels summit

Future nuclear power reactors could rely on molten salts - but what about corrosion?

Nuclear's EU comeback on show at Brussels summit

ROCKET SCIENCE
Sweden off-track to meet climate goals: expert agency

Poorer countries need money before raising climate targets: COP29 head

Climate perils costing US 0.4% of its GDP: Swiss Re

World needs 'trillions' for climate action: COP28 president

ROCKET SCIENCE
Brazil Amazon deforestation lowest in Jan-Feb period since 2018

Activists occupy German forest to block Tesla expansion

Nearly 3,000 fires in Brazilian Amazon in February, new record

Major firms still failing to tackle deforestation: report

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.