Media: DPRK tested rocket engine designed to launch first reconnaissance satellite
The Dong-A Ilbo newspaper reported that according to US and South Korean intelligence data, the DPRK conducted several tests of the engine of the Chollima-1 rocket that was supposed to launch the country’s first reconnaissance satellite into space, TASS reports
It is reported that US and South Korean intelligence discovered activities to remove rocket fuel from the Sohae spaceport in the North Pyongan Province. Countries assume that the DPRK conducted several tests of the engine of the Chollima-1 launch vehicle. In their opinion, this indicates that technical and design problems have not been resolved.
In August, North Korea unsuccessfully launched this missile. The country’s government then announced that it intended to start the engine again in October. As the newspaper points out, engine testing makes the prospects of a launch on time unlikely. According to The Dong-A Ilbo, US and South Korean intelligence agencies believe North Korea could make a third attempt in November after it ‘receives technology from Russia’ and completes technological improvements to the space rocket engine.
