Is a missile test a provocative action?

[Unorthodox]

New Minuteman's can't be ordered instead? It's not like other types of ICBM's in the world are inheritantly better?

I think you misunderstand what you're asking.  It's not the vehicle that's the biggest challenge (though it could certainly be upgraded) it's the brains. 

Would you willingly purchase a 1970s era computer, even if it was fresh off an assembly line?   

[Geo]

New Minuteman's can't be ordered instead? It's not like other types of ICBM's in the world are inheritantly better?

I think you misunderstand what you're asking.  It's not the vehicle that's the biggest challenge (though it could certainly be upgraded) it's the brains. 

Would you willingly purchase a 1970s era computer, even if it was fresh off an assembly line?   

Well, yes, even the Space Shuttle electronics were only a generation out of date.
You have a point.
Even so, I reckon an up-to-date electronics suite would need less space then 1970-era stuff.

[Unorthodox]

Less space means smaller payload, means different vehicle requirements, whole new ground support architecture, and so on, thus umpteen billion to build, thus we need to sell the idea...

This time I'd hope they design it to be upgraded easily instead of hard baking the hardware into the design.  Granted, it was designed for a 10 year life span, not 40+...

[Geo]

Less space means smaller payload, means different vehicle requirements, whole new ground support architecture, and so on, thus umpteen billion to build, thus we need to sell the idea...

This time I'd hope they design it to be upgraded easily instead of hard baking the hardware into the design.  Granted, it was designed for a 10 year life span, not 40+...

I meant a smaller space for emulating the existing electronics, which gives room for a couple new features. I reckon the 'payload' (nuclear warheads) would be the same?

[Unorthodox]

I can't imagine there's a need for new ordnance.  New RV's maybe. 

I'd think everything post boost phase could significantly be weight/size reduced. 

! No longer available

[Rusty Edge]

The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that provocation lies in the bearing and trajectory.

[Unorthodox]

The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that provocation lies in the bearing and trajectory.

Tell me where NK can point it that is not provocative.   

[Rusty Edge]

Probably better if they did their testing on a Russian range.

[Unorthodox]

Sure. That only breaks a few treaties.

[Geo]

Tell me where NK can point it that is not provocative.   

Straight up?

[Rusty Edge]

Sure. That only breaks a few treaties.

Didn't know that.

[E_T]

Tell me where NK can point it that is not provocative.   

Straight up?

they could just aim it at themselves.... 

All kidding aside, they could just try for a space program and then develop the other stuff afterwards...  But then, that wouldn't keep the hawks in line, either...  All in all, a bad situation that is only going to get worse... 

If we do go to war with NK again, let's make sure that we bring the Japanese, too.  They chomped at the bit for the last one, due to post WW2 stuff, but we should had let them in then.  And don't think that some of those potential nukes aren't pointed at them (along with SK).  Very long, bloody history between Korea and Japan....

[Geo]

If we do go to war with NK again, let's make sure that we bring the Japanese, too.  They chomped at the bit for the last one, due to post WW2 stuff, but we should had let them in then.  And don't think that some of those potential nukes aren't pointed at them (along with SK).  Very long, bloody history between Korea and Japan....

And let's not forget the Chinese and Russians. I'm sure they'll want to bang some heads as well in the muddy mountains of Korea.

[E_T]

Well, now that they have a missile that can reach (possibly) DC, as well as most the the eastern Seaboard, what do you think the Tweet myster will do now??  Nothing good I think.... 

[Unorthodox]

Do they?