North Korea has conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine that leader Kim Jong Un is calling a revolutionary breakthrough for the country's space program, the North's state media said Sunday. Kim attended Saturday's test at the Sohae launch site, according to the KCNA, which said the test was intended to confirm the "new type" of engine's thrust power and gauge the reliability of its control system and structural safety. Kim called the test "a great event of historic significance" for the country's indigenous rocket industry, per the AP. He also said the "whole world will soon witness what eventful significance the great victory won today carries" and claimed the test marks what will be known as the "March 18 revolution" in the country's rocket industry. The report indicated that the engine is to be used for North Korea's space and satellite-launching program.
North Korea is banned by the United Nations from conducting long-range missile tests, but it claims its satellite program is for peaceful use, a claim many believe is questionable. North Korean officials have said that under a five-year plan, they intend to launch more Earth observation satellites and what would be the country's first geostationary communications satellite—which would be a major technological advance. Getting that kind of satellite into place would likely require a more powerful engine than its previous ones. The North also claims it is trying to build a viable space program that would include a moon launch within the next 10 years. The test was conducted as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was in China on a swing through Asia that has been closely focused on concerns over how to deal with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. (More North Korea stories.)
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