North Korea's recent solid-fuel rocket engine test suggests a step forward in missile technology, but it remains many years from using such advanced motors for a long-range missile capable of striking the US mainland, a US missile expert said Wednesday.
Last week's test was personally monitored by leader Kim Jong-Un, who said it would allow for a major upgrade of the North's missile delivery systems that would "strike great horror and terror into the hearts of our enemies", according to state media.
Solid-fuel missiles would have distinct advantages -- including greater mobility and the ability to launch within minutes -- over Pyongyang's current, largely liquid-fuelled inventory.
Analysing official pictures of the test, John Schilling, an aerospace engineer specialising in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, said it appeared to be of an engine "roughly three times more powerful" than any solid motor the nuclear-armed North had previously demonstrated.
Read the full story at SpaceDaily