By Lucas Bento & Daniel Firger
Maybe. But the United States would need to consider the consquences...and what happens next.
On December 12, 2012, after 14 years of trials and failures, North Korea finally put a satellite into orbit around the Earth. The Unha-3 rocket used to deliver this payload—which was ostensibly launched for weather tracking purposes—is functionally equivalent to a ballistic missile, and South Korea was quick to note that its successful launch proves that Pyongyang can now reach targets at a distance exceeding 10,000 km (6,200 miles), putting much of the western coast of the continental United States within striking distance.
On January 22, 2013, the UN Security Council swiftly passed Resolution 2087, which condemned the launch. North Korea has since expressed its firm determination to continue pursuing its nuclear program.
Some experts warn that North Korea is only a few years away from mounting a nuclear warhead on a missile. Others doubt its technological capabilities. Indeed, less than a week after the launch of the Unha-3, U.S. astronomers pointed out that the celebrated satellite appeared to be “dead” and “tumbling” through its orbit.
Although the Unha-3 satellite itself may pose no direct threat, it likely part of a long-term strategy to further develop Pyongyang's ballistic missile capabilities. If North Korea launches an improved Unha-3, -4 or -5 rocket later this year, could the U.S. preemptively shoot it out of the skies? Would it?
Read the full 2 page story at The Diplomat