SEOUL: North Korea has tested a new high-performance rocket engine, the country’s state media said Sunday.
Overseeing the test, leader Kim Jong-Un “emphasised that the whole world will soon witness what eventful significance the great victory won today carries”, KCNA reported, hinting that the North is preparing to launch a new satellite rocket.
“The development and completion of a new-type high-thrust engine would help consolidate the scientific and technological foundation to match the world-level satellite delivery capability in the field of outer space development, he noted”, KCNA said.
Rocket engines are easily re-purposed for use in missiles.
Outside observers say that the nuclear-armed Pyongyang’s space programme is a fig leaf for weapons tests. —APP
