Nuclear security

North Korea tests suspected ICBM rocket engine – US officials

North Korea has reportedly carried out another test of a space rocket engine, which could be used for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could potentially be capable of reaching the US mainland, American officials have told media outlets.

The rocket test was allegedly conducted on Wednesday at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, where similar tests of the rocket technology took place on three occasions in March, one official familiar with the matter told Fox.

News of the test was also confirmed to Reuters by another US official, who said the test could be “for the smallest stage of ICBM rocket engine.”

For years now, North Korea has been developing nuclear technology and missiles that will be able to strike the US mainland, located around 9,000 km (5,500 miles) away. The US and its allies in the region have recently been anxious that Pyongyang is set to carry out its sixth nuclear test after conducting five since 2006.

A missile is considered intercontinental if it can travel at least 5,500 km (3,400 miles), but some are designed to strike targets 10,000 km (6,200 miles) away. The ICBM technology requires complex methods and means of engineering to successfully deliver the payload to a designated target without failures through the three stages of the flight.