North Korea claims successful test of new rocket engine

North Korea announced a new test as the US and its allies discussed tougher sanctions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the new test. Photo: AFP

"Leader Kim Jong-un visited the Sohae Space Center to guide the test of a new, high-power rocket engine for a geostationary satellite," North Korean state television KCNA said yesterday.

The Sohae Center is where North Korea conducts many missile tests and launched a satellite in February this year.

Mr Kim also ordered scientists and engineers to prepare to launch a satellite "as soon as possible after the successful test", signaling that North Korea could soon launch another long-range missile.

According to Joel Wit, founder of the 38 North website, which monitors North Korea's activities, the new engine test is an important sign that North Korea is about to launch a larger, better vehicle to put satellites into higher orbits and "it will happen in the near future".

North Korea's latest move comes as many countries condemn its fifth nuclear test this month. The US, Japan and South Korea have called for increased pressure on Pyongyang for violating UN resolutions.

According to VNE