Tongch'ang-dong Missile and Space Launch Facility
Pongdong-Ni / Tongchang-Ni
By Tim Brown
Senior Fellow
Globalsecurity.org
Static Rocket Engine Test Stand
A static rocket engine test stand is located about one kilometer southeast of the launch pad. There is concrete support pad that measures 40 by 60 meters. A concrete ramp connects the support pad to the engine test pad. The steel superstructure that holds the rocket motor captive measures about 10 by 10 meters.
Static rocket motor test stand as of 3 June 2009.
Credit: Globalsecurity.org and DigitalGlobe.
Four concrete piers support the engine test pad. A concrete blast deflector is located below the test stand and is probably protected from the heat and vibration of the engine exhaust by heavy flow of water. There is probably a semi-buried fuel building measuring 10 by 15 meters. There is a buried conduit running 190 meters that probably provides water to dampen and cool the blast deflector.
Comparison to the Iranian Test Stand at Shahid Hemit Industrial Complex
The static rocket motor test stand at the Tongch’ang-dong site is similar to one observed at the Shahid Hemmat facility east of Tehran, Iran. Given North Korean and Iranian collaboration in developing long rang ballistic missiles, the two facilities are probably based on similar design concepts.
Comparison of the static engine test stand at Tongch'ang-dong and the Iranian missile R&D complex at Shahid Hemit outside of Tehran.
Credit: Globalsecurity.org and DigitalGlobe.
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