North Korea has announced the testing of a new high-powered rocket engine for a geo-stationary satellite.<br /><br /> Leader Kim Jong Un was quoted as ordering officials to get ready for a satellite launch as soon as possible. <br /><br /> A South Korean spokesman said the new engine has improved thrust. <br /><br /> “Based on what North Korea announced, we perceive that the engine thrust has improved,” said Jeon Ha-kyu, South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff Spokesperson. “We will closely track and monitor for any possible additional movements of the North Korean military next month [around North Korea’s Worker’s Party Foundation Day].”<br /><br /> The United Nations and others view Pyongyang’s space development project as a cover for tests of ballistic missile technology.<br /><br /> Earlier this month, North Korea’s carried out its fifth and most powerful nuclear test to date.<br /><br /> The US secretary of state and the foreign ministers of Japan and South Korea said the test would not go unanswered. <br /><br /> Pics of North Korea's rocket engine test from Rodong Sinmun website https://t.co/QZpBhVXbv7 pic.twitter.com/cVCJp2CceE— NorthKoreaRealTime (@BuckTurgidson79) September 20, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> United States show of force<br />A few days later, a pair of US B-1B bombers flew over South Korea. The close proximity of the nuclear-capable aircraft sent a clear signal to North Korea after its nuclear test.<br /><br /> China, an ally of North Korea, called for calm, saying all sides should avoid escalating tensions.<br /><br /> #worldnews #US. #B1 bombers conduct sequence flights with #ASDF #Japan in r.. #NuclearTest #KimJongUn #NorthKorea https://t.co/ywuXbF1OYO— 雲水 (@cloud_stream) September 13, 2016<br />
