North Korean Sattelite Launch?

[Chipstone306]

We may see a launch in the next two to three days.... I wonder where they will actually be launching from. Id love to recreate the flight


http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNe...24/North_Korea_090224/20090224?hub=TopStories

 

[Urwumpe]

As Iran had a success with a similar rocket, I would not be surprised. But it is one reason more to stop sending food into North Korea.

 

[willy88]

What's with this trend of crazy, totalitarian backwater nations launching satellites into orbit with (what looks like) modified scud missiles? Iran, now North Korea, who's next?

 

[T.Neo]

What's with this trend of crazy, totalitarian backwater nations launching satellites into orbit with (what looks like) modified scud missiles? Iran, now North Korea, who's next?

Zimbabwe?

:rofl:

 

[Jarvitä]

I thought Kim Jong Il has his subjects believe they have already launched a satellite some time ago?

Besides, knowing their history and luck with missiles, this will probably amount to another failed ICBM test. The only reason Iran managed to make a functional orbital missile out of the Nodong they got from North Korea is that they're not as cut off from the rest of the world as North Korea is, and still have some access to the basic technology and concepts behind rocketry.

 

[willy88]

I thought Kim Jong Il has his subjects believe they have already launched a satellite some time ago?

Besides, knowing their history and luck with missiles, this will probably amount to another failed ICBM test. The only reason Iran managed to make a functional orbital missile out of the Nodong they got from North Korea is that they're not as cut off from the rest of the world as North Korea is, and still have some access to the basic technology and concepts behind rocketry.

Nothing can stop the Great Nation!

 

[Urwumpe]

I thought Kim Jong Il has his subjects believe they have already launched a satellite some time ago?

Yes, he has. This will now be satellite #2 INSIDE North Korea.

The initial satellite was a second sputnik, claimed to be playing the "revolutionary" hymns from space.

 

[Chipstone306]

New update

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090303/North_Korea_090303/20090303?hub=World

 

[BHawthorne]

What's with this trend of crazy, totalitarian backwater nations launching satellites into orbit with (what looks like) modified scud missiles? Iran, now North Korea, who's next?

Think about it...the payload could be something a bit more malicious. It's proof of concept. Whose to say this or the next satellite isn't a malicious payload. It needn't be nuclear to wreak havoc. If it's orbital, they can drop it on most anyone at their leisure. It's a a case of "backwater nations" reminding the world that they're in a position to shift the balance of power on their whim too. My take on it, is many of these nations actually enjoy pissing off people that can use a sledgehammer on them. Their self-destructive pursuits aren't going to help them much though.

 

[Urwumpe]

Think about it...the payload could be something a bit more malicious. It's proof of concept. Whose to say this or the next satellite isn't a malicious payload. It needn't be nuclear to wreak havoc.

You think too one dimensional. It is not the payload that is the danger. It is the technology. Think about it. It is not about satellites and even one dozen warheads would not change the world. It is about the technology inside the rocket, which is interesting for such nations. The same circuits which guide a rocket into space, can make a tank more capable. Who can build rocket engines, quickly learns to build other turbomachinery better: Jet engines, gas turbines, even piston engines profit from rockets.

You think the Minuteman III was important for the USA for its unlimited second strike capability? The integrated circuits inside its computer really changed the world. It was the first application of such circuits and a whole lot of research money flowed into semiconductors and integrated circuits over the Minuteman program.

Don't listen to the stupidity of your politicians. They see the peak of the iceberg and think the world will be safe, if they just destroy this peak. Your leaders are officially stupid and blind - as stupid and blind as the average Joe, who elects them. Even if they have the brain to understand the implications, they need to talk stupid, for getting elected by people, who will never understand strategic planning. You get the politicians you deserve.

 

[David413]

You get the politicians you deserve.

Amen to that. Although I would hasten to add, most people get the politicians they deserve (in a democracy, thinking people rarely get what they deserve...)

 

[Urwumpe]

In a democracy, thinking people rarely get what they deserve...

Unless you believe in Karma and Reincarnation. :lol:

 

[n122vu]

Amen to that. Although I would hasten to add, most people get the politicians they deserve (in a democracy, thinking people rarely get what they deserve...)

And Amen to that.

Two very good points guys, in my opinion.

"...and if the blind shall lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." - written a few years back by a guy named Matthew. 15th chapter, 14th paragraph, I believe.

 

[cjp]

Any offensive action done by NK would mean suicide to them. It would be an instant justification to completely bomb the place, even for the more peaceful people like Obama.

And they are already capable of doing lots of damage. Seoul is within range of normal NK artillery. If they were crazy enough, they would already have done it.

Under these circumstances, what is the point of NK developing such technology? It can only mean they will be better able to defend themselves. Technologically, it might also give them offensive capabilities, but diplomatically these capabilities are irrelevant.

the US (or NATO, UN or whatever) attacking NK is a much more likely scenario than NK attacking the US, or even attacking South Korea. Under these circumstances, technological know-how in NK will more likely prevent war than cause it.

 

[David413]

All of which follows from a central proposition: That the leadership in the North will act in a logical and rational manner. That may or may not be true. In their deliberations they may reach a different conclusion and attack outwards first, and at that point what weapons they have at their disposal and the range of those weapons becomes very important. This also applies to Iran.

 

[cjp]

All of which follows from a central proposition: That the leadership in the North will act in a logical and rational manner. That may or may not be true. In their deliberations they may reach a different conclusion and attack outwards first, and at that point what weapons they have at their disposal and the range of those weapons becomes very important. This also applies to Iran.

Quoting myself:

If they were crazy enough, they would already have done it.

 

[David413]

Somewhat timely given our discussions...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,504005,00.html

 

[TSPenguin]

All of which follows from a central proposition: That the leadership in the North will act in a logical and rational manner. That may or may not be true. In their deliberations they may reach a different conclusion and attack outwards first, and at that point what weapons they have at their disposal and the range of those weapons becomes very important. This also applies to Iran.

Very solid point.
There is little known about the internal power structure of NK. I can easily envision a scenario where a (dying) dictator wants to go down with a big bang. And calls upon loyal soldiers.
I just hope that in such a scenario a coup would prevent any actual strikes.

[attention, this 2 cents roll right into off-topic country]
Iran is a rather different situation though. The post revolution Iran is in a delicate situation. If they commit acts of aggression, their neighbours would seek closer ties with foreign powers to protect themselves. Which would weaken Irans posture.
Meanwhile the U.S. is not willing to do actual diplomatic efforts and does not talk to Iran. Offers from Iran has been turned down.

The U.S. is trying to keep Iran weak so that it does not become a powerfull nation assumes a leading role in the region. Instead they invade Irans neighbours, impose and continue to threaten Iran with sanctions and try to deny them their right for the civil use of nuclear energy.

In the meantime there is a very strong, peacefull and democratic civil rights movement in Iran which protest regularely against the laws imposed by the religious leaders of the country.
If played right, Iran can be the exemplary open islamic nation (from the viewpoint of the U.S.).
[/2cents]

 

[SiberianTiger]

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea says it has confirmed that North Korea plans to launch a satellite from April 4-8.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g5bCbd3G8qFoX7H4TvQbUWvBQ08QD96SBOF80

 

[Rathelm]

You think too one dimensional. It is not the payload that is the danger. It is the technology. Think about it. It is not about satellites and even one dozen warheads would not change the world. It is about the technology inside the rocket, which is interesting for such nations. The same circuits which guide a rocket into space, can make a tank more capable. Who can build rocket engines, quickly learns to build other turbomachinery better: Jet engines, gas turbines, even piston engines profit from rockets.

You think the Minuteman III was important for the USA for its unlimited second strike capability? The integrated circuits inside its computer really changed the world. It was the first application of such circuits and a whole lot of research money flowed into semiconductors and integrated circuits over the Minuteman program.

Don't listen to the stupidity of your politicians. They see the peak of the iceberg and think the world will be safe, if they just destroy this peak. Your leaders are officially stupid and blind - as stupid and blind as the average Joe, who elects them. Even if they have the brain to understand the implications, they need to talk stupid, for getting elected by people, who will never understand strategic planning. You get the politicians you deserve.

You're absolutely right. The problem is we cannot stop progress. As technology advances in the first world it will always trickle down to the third world. With the current public pushes into rocketry by the industrial nations I'd imagine in 20 years anyone will be able to get ahold of said technology. The best we can do is try to remove the psychopaths from power and impower the 3rd world nations with like-minded individuals that are more interested in peaceful progress than ideaological world destruction.