Taepodong-1
Taepodong -1 ( named after the former name of the missile base Musudan -ri ) is the name of a North Korean ballistic missile medium-range, based on the technology of the North Korean Nodong -1 also. This rocket is used in a modified form as a first stage, while a converted Hwasong 5 or 6 is used as a second stage. Chance of the rocket is referred to as Paektusan -1 or Nodong -2. Iran may possess an identical version with the name Shahab -4, which has so far not been started yet.
Already in February 1994 were discovered on American satellite images two Taepodong -1 in the development of complex Sangun -dong, but the construction of the first flying prototype began only a year later. In May 1994, a new starting system on the test track in Musudan -ri was built in the province of Hamgyong Province on the east coast. On 7 August 1998, the launch preparations began and on 27 August 1998, she was taken to the start position. On 31 August 1998, she joined with their launch for the first time internationally in appearance, when she was allegedly used as a carrier rocket at the start of the North Korean satellite Kwangmyŏngsŏng of Musudan -ri. While the North Korean government represented the start to be successful, Western observers were able to show no satellites in orbit. According to the North Korean government was the first stage separation after 95 s, after 266 seconds the second stage and 27 s later, the separation of the satellite from the third stage. As orbital parameters of the 27- kg and 50-60 cm large satellite in polyhedral 6,978 × 21,882 km were given. From Western and Russian observers, however, a third-stage explosion was recorded and observed a fall of debris into the Pacific. There the signals of the transmitting frequency of 27 MHz in the satellite and registered by any observer.
Specifications
- Range: 2200-2896 km with 1000 kg payload
- Levels: 3
- Off thrust: 525.25 kN
- Take off weight: 33,406 kg
- Diameter: 1.80 m
- Length: 25,80 m