Taepodong-2
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Template:Koreanname north The Taepodong-2 (TD-2) is a three stage missile developed by North Korea. The capabilities of the missile are unknown to countries outside of North Korea; however, based on the size of the missile, the fuel composition, and the likely fuel capacity, it is estimated that a two stage variant would have a range of around 4000 km (2500 statute miles) and a three stage variant would be capable of reaching as far as 4500 km (2800 statute miles.) The burn time of each stage is a little over 100 seconds, thus allowing the missile to burn for 5 or 6 minutes. Future variants of the missile could be capable of a range of approximately 9000 km (5600 statute miles)[1], making the TD-2's reach comparable to that of the Boeing LGM-30 Minuteman ICBM.
Details
According to Kim Kil Son, a former worker in the publications department of one of North Korea's top research centres, North Korea began development of the missile in 1987[2].
Very few details concerning the technical specifications of the rocket are in the public domain. The TD-2 first stage likely uses a liquid propellant (TM-185 fuel and AK-27I oxidiser) driven engine and the second stage likely utilises the Nodong short-range missile[3]. Depending on the range, the estimated payload capacity could be as high as 700–1000 kg, making it potentially suitable for conventional weapons payloads, NBC payloads as well as Earth orbit satellite delivery. However, because North Korea has as yet to demonstrate the ability to produce a re-entry vehicle, it is doubtful that the TD-2 could be used to accurately deliver such a payload in the near future.
Flights
No flight tests of this missile have yet been attempted. However, the TD-2 first stage engines have been test fired during multiple ground based tests[4].
Controversy
In June of 2006, U.S. intelligence reports revealed that North Korea was possibly planning to conduct a test flight of this missile. It is currently unclear if and when it will fly or indeed what the purpose of the flight may be, the two most likely explanations being a test flight or an attempted satellite delivery. The United States and Japan have stated that they may consider sanctions against North Korea if it decided to go forward with the test. Both countries have stated that the test or launch of a TD-2 missile by North Korea would be in violation of the Japan-North Korea Pyongyang Declaration, an agreement between Kim Jong Il and Junichiro Koizumi in which North Korea agreed not to test long-range missiles.
References
See also
- Taepodong-1
- Military of North Korea
- North Korea and weapons of mass destruction
- List of Korea-related topics
External links
- Nuclear Threat Initiative profile
- Federation of American Scientists profile
- Taepodong-2 Design Heritage Imagery
- USA Today piece from 6-20-2006
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