Posts Tagged ‘launch pad’
Countdown to the Rocket Launch: Staging of Rocket Proceeding More Slowly than Reported; Winter Weather a New Factor?
A joint NorthKoreaTech/38 North exclusive, with analysis by Nick Hansen. Summary North Korean preparations for a new rocket launch later this month appear to be proceeding more slowly than previously reported in the press according to analysis of commercial satellite imagery from December 4 and past DPRK test practices. Moreover, since this [...]
Countdown to Pyongyang’s Missile Launch: Unha Rocket Stages at Assembly Building
A 38 North exclusive with analysis by Nick Hansen. Summary Preparations for a new North Korean rocket launch appear to be underway at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station (commonly referred to as Tongchang-ri) located on its west coast. Based on DigitalGlobe satellite imagery released on November 23 and 26, trailers carrying the first two [...]
North Korea Conducts Large Rocket Motor Tests: Construction at Sohae Launch Pad
A 38 North exclusive with analysis by Nick Hansen Summary Despite its failed rocket test last spring, commercial satellite imagery indicates that North Korea continues to develop long-range missiles, possibly with intercontinental ranges. Since the failed launch, the North has conducted at least two, and possibly more, tests of large rocket [...]
Construction Halted at New North Korean Missile Launch Pad; Old Site Refurbished in Preparation for Future Launches
A 38 North exclusive, with analysis by Nick Hansen. Summary North Korea has halted work at a new launch pad intended to conduct future tests of larger, liquid-fueled rockets, possibly with intercontinental ranges. Commercial satellite imagery of the Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground—commonly referred to as Musudan-ri—taken on August 29, [...]
New Launch Facilities Under Construction at Musudan-ri, Possible Iranian Connection
New satellite photos from April 29, 2012 indicate that a major upgrade of North Korea’s Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground—more commonly referred to as Musudan-ri—underway since summer 2011, is making rapid progress. The new construction is intended to support future launches of rockets larger than the recently tested Unha—more capable [...]
North Korea Readies The Unha-3 for Launch on April 12, 2012
The North Koreans are making good progress to be able to launch the Unha-3 on April 12, 2012, the start of their announced launch window. Analysis on the most recent available imagery from April 9 shows activity at the propellant storage buildings adjacent to the pad, indicating fueling the rocket is about to start. In addition, the needed [...]
