Thread by @Marco_Langbroek

Approximate trajectory flown by the #ICBM that #NorthKorea tested today. A highly lofted trajectory.
(reconstruction based on Japanese DoD info).

When launched on a 'normal', non-lofted trajectory, the range would be 18000+ km, i.e. capable of reaching any place on Earth

Trajectory is based on rough information on apogee, range, and map with approximate impact point provided by Japanese DoD here:
mod.go.jp/j/press/news/2…

It will be interesting to see what missile it concerns when Northg Korea publishes their propaganda photo's. Hwasong-17? Something new?

Comparison of today's #ICBM test flight by #NorthKorea (yellow) to two suspected Hwasong-17 test flights from 2022 (blue and red).
Lower apogee and range could indicate heavier payload.

(HT to @John_A_Ridge for bringing up those two tests relative to today's)

On suggestion of @Casillic:
Today's North Korean #ICBM test "lofted" trajectory (yellow) compared to the orbital altitude of the International Space Station ISS (green), to give a sense of the altitudes involved.

There has been some comment on the "18000+". It would have been better if I had written "15000+" perhaps. It are ballpark figures based on the impulse from the lofted launch, and real maximum range depends on a lot, including warhead weight and direction of launch. (cont.)

(cont.) When heavy missiles like these have enough power to - in theory- actually bring something into earth orbit, "range" becomes a very relative thing.
The important part is: if they would master reentry and accurate targetting, they could hit almost any spot on the planet.

Also, I can hear @ArmsControlWonk whisper "Fóóóóóóóbs!!!!" into my ear now....

North Korea says it was a Hwasong-15, and that it was a (for the missile crew) unannounced drill.
rodong.rep.kp/ko/index.php
Apogee given as 5768.5 km, range 989 km, flight time 66.9 minutes.
(image from KCNA/Rodong Sinmun)