Chollima-1

Description

Chollima-1 is a three-stage rocket that differs from the earlier Unha family, abandoning Scud heritage for a design based on the Hwasong-15 and 17 ICBMs. Its first stage is derived from the Hwasong-17, and it uses advanced engines based on the Soviet RD-250. It is a medium-lift vehicle for small satellites in low Earth orbit, with an estimated payload of 200 kg to 300 kg on its first flight. Analysts believe North Korea is increasingly mastering local construction despite sanctions.

History

The first orbital launch attempt of Chollima-1 occurred on 30 May 2023 from Sohae, carrying the military reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1. The launch failed when the second stage ignited too early due to engine unreliability and fuel instability, and the vehicle crashed into the Yellow Sea. South Korea recovered debris, including the second stage about 200 km west of Eocheong Island, though it sank. Over 36 days, the third stage and the satellite were also recovered and analyzed with the United States to assess component origins and satellite performance, which was considered very low for military use.

North Korea had warned Japan but not South Korea of the launch window between 31 May and 11 June. Missile alerts were mistakenly triggered in Seoul and Okinawa Prefecture. A second attempt on 23 August 2023 also failed, due to an error in the emergency blasting system during third-stage flight. A third attempt, announced for October 2023 but delayed by technical issues, took place on 21 November 2023 and resulted in the first successful launch.