On September 20, DPRK media reported that Kim Jong Un had overseen the testing of a large new rocket engine. It is a liquid propelled rocket engine, and it is big. It is the largest rocket engine of its kind displayed by the North Koreans to date. The “80-ton” thrust of the engine, in particular, came as a big surprise to many.

This engine is capable enough to lift a large missile – be it a ballistic missile or a satellite launch vehicle. One issue should be clear, even for the most skeptical of NK watchers: North Korea is