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N. Korea starts test of missile-track radar: report+(Japan Economic Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) SEOUL, Feb. 27_(Kyodo) _ North Korea has started testing missile-tracking radar and other monitoring equipment at its northeastern missile test site following its announcement of a satellite launch, a Seoul daily reported Friday. "North Korea has made preparations for the launch of Taepodong-2 (missile) at the Musudan-ri test site and started test-operation of equipment related to missile tracking and control such as 'Fire Work' radar," a South Korean government source told the Chosun Ilbo newspaper. Musudan-ri is in North Hamgyong Province. Missile-tracking radar and monitoring equipment are indispensable to judging whether a missile launch is successful or not. The source said the operation of the equipment at the North's launch site reinforced the view North Korea is prepared to launch a missile. North Korea made similar moves, including operation of "Fire Work" radar and Helix antennas, two to three weeks before it tested long-range missiles in 1998 and 2006, the source added. North Korea said Tuesday it is ready to launch an experimental communication satellite, sparking concerns North Korea may be preparing to test-fire an improved version of its Taepodong-2 intermediate-range ballistic missile. Copyright ? 2009 Kyodo News International, Inc. |