In March and November, North Korea sent ballistic missiles soaring more than 6,000 km (3,700 miles) into space. Although long-range weapons get more attention, North Korea has been pouring resources into shorter-range systems too, analysts say. South Korea and the United States have warned since early 2022 that North Korea may resume nuclear testing for the first time since 2017. More mundane technology such as rocket fuel is also undergoing intense testing in North Korea. On Dec. 16, scientists in North Korea tested what they called a “high-thrust” solid-fuel motor that appeared aimed at perfecting a large engine for an ICBM.

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