WASHINGTON DC - Today’s successful satellite launch proves there is “no reason why North Korea can't now go on to develop  a fully functioning inter-continental ballistic missile” (ICBM).  But while progress towards a long-range nuclear missile has provoked understandable consternation from Washington and its allies, a UK based expert says that significant hurdles remain for Pyongyang.

This successful launch is significant because it shows that the DPRK is ever-closer to mastering the technology required to field an intercontinental ballistic missile. Married to an ever-progressing nuclear weapons program, Pyongyang is now one step closer to developing long range nuclear weapons capabilities. But despite what appears to be a sensational development, British Missile Defense expert Dr. Andrew Futter explains that several key challenges remain: