North Korea Tests ‘High-Thrust’ Rocket Engine For Satellite Launch

The test comes after North Korea launched four ballistic missiles earlier in March.

File photo of a missile being fired from a North Korean naval vessel. (Photo: Reuters)

After launching four ballistic missiles earlier this month, North Korea has now “successfully” conducted a ground test of a “high-thrust” rocket engine which will help launch satellites.

Korean Central News Agency on its website said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “emphasised that the whole world will soon witness what eventful significance the great victory won today carries”.

The test comes after China urged the country to refrain from any nuclear or missile tests and for the US and South Korea to not hold joint military drills.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, during his recent visit to Seoul, said that “the policy of strategic patience (with North Korea) has ended. We are exploring a new range of security and diplomatic measures. All options are on the table”.

(The article was originally published on NBC News.)