The Taep'o-d ong-2 (TD-2) is said to be a two or three stage missile with a range estimated at approximately 3,650-3,750 km with a 700-1,000 kg
payload. Other sources credit the TD-2/NKSL-X-2** with a range in excess of 4,000-4,300 km. North Korea has given various names to the
Taep'o-d ong missile, such as No-d ong-3, Hwasong (Mars)-2 and Moksong (Jupiter)-2.
According to Kim Kil Son, who prior to defection to south Korea in August 1997 worked in a publications department of north Korea=s Number 2 Research
Center, development of this missile started in 1987 after Kim Jong Il gave on the spot guidance to the Number 2 Research Center saying that "If we
can develop this we have nothing to fear. Even the American Bastards won't be able to bother us. Whether we live or die, we must quickly develop the
Hwasong 6."
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