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.
![](https://missilethreat.csis.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/North-Korea-Taepodong-II-Unha-3.jpeg)