[imText1]At the new missile launch site in Dongchang-ri, Cheolsan, North Pyongan Province movements which may represent preparations for a Taepodong-2 missile launch have been caught by U.S. and South Korean intelligence authorities.
A source inside the South Korean government made the following claim, “A U.S. Reconnaissance satellite captured images of a train carrying a cylindrical body headed for Dongchang-ri from a munitions factory in North Pyongan Province.”
A Japanese newspaper, Sankei Shinbun, reported that, “The claim that several trucks frequently went in and out the missile launching facility, which is under reconstruction in Dongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province, was confirmed by a U.S. satellite.”
“A large container, which was assumed to be carrying a missile, was transported into the site. Judging by the size of the container, it may be a Taepodong-2 missile or one bigger than that,” the newspaper said.
Sankei Shinbun pointed out the fact that North Korea tested engine burners at the missile launch facility last fall and claimed, “A missile launch could be possible within one or two months because North Korean missiles use liquid fuel and pouring fuel into missiles and setting up the launch pad takes a pretty long time.”
In its analysis, “The missile to be launched this time may also be an improved model. If it is right, its range could be as much as 10,000 kilometers, capable of reaching the mainland U.S.”
The newspaper also noted, “If North Korea launches a missile, it will significantly affect the direction of the Six Party Talks and also generate international criticism.”
North Korean authorities started constructing the missile launch site at Donchang-ri around 8 years ago, and completed it in late 2008.
South Korean intelligence authorities claim that at this site there is a ten-storey tower to hold rockets or ballistic missiles, and artificial satellites could also be launched. In May and June, a long range missile engine was tested.
