North Korea probably test-fired a rocket engine in August and satellite imagery indicates the country could have a second- or third-stage rocket under development, according to a 38 North analysis published Monday.The U.S. Korea Institute at SAIS operates 38 North, a website that analyzes developments in North Korea, and obtained images taken between Aug. 25 and Aug. 30 for its analysis.
Nick Hansen writes 38 North based its analysis on commercial satellite imagery that appears to show a probable rocket stage, a crane built to mount and remove the rocket’s engine and propellant tanks and instrumentation used to measure test results.
According to Hansen, the rocket depicted in the images also could be the second stage of a space launch vehicle or an upgraded engine.
