(FILES) This file picture taken by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on December 12, 2012 shows North Korean rocket Unha-3, carrying the satellite Kwangmyongsong-3, lifting off from the launching pad in Cholsan county, North Pyongan province in North Korea. North Korea said on January 24, 2013 it planned to carry out a third nuclear test and more rocket launches aimed at its “arch-enemy” the United States in response to tightened UN sanctions, but offered no timeframe. AFP PHOTO / KCNA vis KNS / FILES —EDITORS NOTE— RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / KCNA VIA KNS” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo credit should read KNS/AFP/Getty Images)

On December 11-12, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly ordered state scientists to develop their largest rocket yet. According to a defector knowledgeable about the regime’s missile and space launch programs, the rocket will likely be designated the Unha-4 and is planned to be ready for launch on September 9, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the DPRK. Analysts say there are likely two major objectives in launching a new long-range rocket. One would be the deployment of a satellite for guidance and observation of future missile launches. The other could be to test a reentry vehicle for future missile launches under the auspices of a satellite launch.

Related Links:

Kim Jong Un orders up larger missile with re-entry ability, The Asahi Shimbun
North Korean defector claims Kim Jong-un has ordered biggest missile yet for nation’s 70th anniversary, The Telegraph