 Chollima-1 (Malligyong-1 F1) |
- Chollima-1 is a three-stage rocket. This new rocket, based on images released by North Korea, appears to be a different
launcher from those of the previous Unha family. It appears to be abandoning the Scud heritage and take a design based on the recent Hwasong-15 and 17
ICBMs with advanced rocket engines based on the suspiciously acquired Soviet RD-250.[5][6] According to 38 North, the Chollima-1's first stage is based on
the Hwasong-17. Although the capabilities of the launch vehicle are not public, Chollima-1 appears to be a medium-lift launch vehicle for launching small
satellites into low Earth orbit, and the payload mass for its maiden flight was estimated to be around 200 kilograms (440 lb) to 300 kilograms (660 lb).
- The vehicle features three stages. Stage 1 is likely derived from the Hwasong-17 ICBM and features a quadruple chamber engine on the first stage - likely
two twin-chamber engines derived from the Russian RD-250, running on storable fuel (N2O4/UDMH).
- The maiden launch did not reach orbit as stage 2 failed to ignite. The second vehicle also failed during stage 3 operation, possible due to a flight termination system issue.
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