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.
Obama is not stupid, bush is not stupid, no politician is stupid. but it doesn't mean I like it.
If America shoots it down thats an act of war on Americas part, or basically the Second Korean War. Lets just hope it blows up on the pad.
back to the subject....High winds at the launch site today no launch maybe tomorrow.... can anyone post telemetry data for a scenario launch from that position?
ps anyone ever hear of the movie october sky?
ps anyone ever hear of the movie october sky?
Now, if they commit an overt hostile act ...
Not sure what the big deal is. So they want to pretend that they have joined the big boys (US, Russia, Japan, China, India, Iran, Brasil).
I don't think there is a launch path out of North Korea that doesn't cross over populated land in any direction. If they wanted to exercise range safety they would have to use an island in the Pacific or lease land from someone else. Launching over Japan is gross violation of range safety. The US doesn't launch shuttles over Cuba for the same reason, because rockets are dangerous and they shed stages to boot.