Could North Korea be building a new pad for mobile missile tests?

Question

Accepted Answer

North Korea Appears to Be Constructing New Launch Facilities at Sohae

Fresh satellite imagery indicates that North Korea has initiated a significant new construction programme at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, also known as Tongchang-ri. This development, underway since mid-year, includes the potential construction of a new launch pad that could be used for testing mobile ballistic missiles.
New Launch Pad and Infrastructure Under Development
The satellite imagery reveals the construction of a new launch pad at the Sohae facility, which was the site of North Korea's Unha-3 rocket launch in December. Alongside the new pad, a new road is being built, a troop compound is being reconstructed, and work has resumed on a permanent radar tracking system. These developments suggest a broader expansion of capabilities at the launch site.
Potential for Mobile Ballistic Missile Testing
One interpretation of the new construction is the building of a "flat launch pad." This large concrete area would facilitate the testing of mobile ballistic missiles, which are launched from transporter-erector launchers. Such a capability would allow for more versatile missile deployment and testing scenarios.
Implications for Missile Range and Development
A rocket launched from this location could potentially travel over 4,000 kilometres before reaching a foreign landmass, enabling comprehensive tests of North Korea's Musudan rocket. The facility could also potentially be adapted for launching small satellites using a modified version of the KN-08 long-range mobile missile, although this might require a more intricate setup.
Reduced Likelihood of Space Launch Vehicle Tests
The ongoing construction at Sohae, coupled with a halt in work at the Tonghae facility last year, suggests that North Korea is unlikely to test fire its Unha or other space launch vehicles in the next six months. This focus on new construction may indicate a shift in priorities or development strategies within North Korea's missile program.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Could North Korea be building a new pad for mobile missile tests?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends