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China-Japan-Koreas |
N. Korea Unveils Details of 'Satellite' |
2012-03-29 |
![]() Experts say a proper working satellite would weigh 500 kg and have a lifespan of at least five years. A satellite expert at a state-run research institute here said a satellite weighing 100 kg would be an experimental satellite and really the earliest stage of satellite development, equivalent to the South Korea's first series of satellites Uribyeol 2 and 3 launched in the 1990s. "With that claim North Korea has practically admitted that the rocket being launched does not aim to put a working satellite into orbit. Such a small satellite could be mounted along with the payload of a rocket being launched by any other country. There is no reason to build an expensive launch vehicle for it." He said this shows the North "is really only interested in testing the missile rather than putting a satellite into orbit." A government official here said, "Faced with mounting international condemnation, North Korea is trying hard to back up its absurd claim that it is preparing to launch a rocket for scientific purposes and not testing an intercontinental ballistic missile." |
Posted by:Steve White |
#4 "sentient beings most hurt - Democrat leadership and cockroaches thrive" |
Posted by: Frank G 2012-03-29 22:32 |
#3 @Skidmark - More than enough, probably. |
Posted by: Secret Master 2012-03-29 20:41 |
#2 IANANP (I am not a nuclear physicist) but: Nuclear payload? I have doubts they could even make a functional warhead that light. Might could buy one someplace but even then, I think it would need to be a 'fresh' one, as I think it would need a Tritium boost, and that decays fairly quickly. Non-nuclear EMP device would be quite limited in range. |
Posted by: Glenmore 2012-03-29 09:51 |
#1 What size EMP blast from a 220 lb payload? |
Posted by: Skidmark 2012-03-29 08:34 |