I've read a good majority of this thread and through about 70 pages of the Original Norway one,
I won't quite state my opinion because quite frankly I haven't a fully developed one. A missile test may very well be the cause to the effect but
there are factors involved which don't solidify an absolute..
But I do bring questions to the table rather than belittling or disagreement,
1. The Russians beat us into space, have successfully launched a multitude of missiles with a large scope of payloads, including-
The large Russian SS-18 ICBM has a payload capacity of 7200 kg
(Which is about 15,873.28 lbs.)
(
en.wikipedia.org...)
((As a side note I noticed I should put in as well, this is just the
capacity not the usual payload, I believe. I may be wrong and If I am
please point out so and I apologize.))
And according to
www.armscontrol.org...
The SS-N-18 (SLBM) Has a payload of 1,650 kg And is capable reaching a 6,500-8,000 km range.
Now.. the very edge of our atmosphere is about 690km up,
The International Space Station orbits between 320 and 380 km (200 and 240 mi)
en.wikipedia.org...
What are they launching that fails at a range visible to the naked eye for hundreds of miles, when they have missiles capable of carrying payloads
well beyond that?
And #2. The Russians are well-known for there secrecy and their hush-hush nature of alot of things, especially military on-goings, and during a
crucial time of political power struggle between and surrounding world power/leadership positions and roles. Why would they publicly launch not one
but
TWO missiles, so close to international borders and so close to public scrutiny? Doesn't that sort of damage their footing in the 'We are
yet again an upcoming world power and key player" When they look like north Korea failing to test standard missiles?
Any and all feedback is appreciated