N. Korea missile could be big step forward

North KoreaÕs claim that it has successfully tested a new ballistic missile powered by solid fuel is a potentially worrying development in its quest to develop a weapon system that could threaten the U.S. and its allies

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NORTH KOREA

Feb 12, Panghyon 
Missile launch area

Beijing

CHINA

Seoul

SOUTH KOREA

Sea of Japan (East Sea)

500km 300 miles

Tokyo

JAPAN

PACIFIC OCEAN

Trajectory: Missile fired at high angle, reaching altitude of 550km and flying about 500km  towards Japan before falling into international waters

Pukguksong-2: If new missile uses solid fuel, it can be fired more quickly from mobile launch vehicles. Most previous North Korean missiles relied on liquid fuel, which needs to  be added on launch pad before weapon is fired

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RUSSIA

CHINA

Guam

U.S.

Pukguksong-2 maximum range up to 3,000km

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Source: Associated Press 

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