North Korea Completes Missile Launch Tower

Taepodong 1 missile

17 Feb 2011 By SIMON MARTIN AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE / DefenseNews

SEOUL - Recent satellite images show that North Korea has completed a launch tower at its new missile base, a key step in efforts to test a missile which could eventually reach the United States, experts say.  An image taken on Jan. 10 of the Tongchang-ri base on the west coast shows a moveable launch pad and swing arms along with the tower. It was disclosed by VOA News this week and was posted on the website of U.S. defense information group GlobalSecurity.org, prompting a senior U.S. military commander to describe the development as a "major concern." The new base is seen as a key step in the North's quest for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could possibly strike the United States, GlobalSecurity.org said.