communications etc. in the case of launching a satellite. They are also testing missile technology because they can make a lot of money selling long range missiles.
there's plenty of good economic and military reasons for the DPRK(or any country) to invest in a space program.

I figured that other countries would share their satellite usage with N.Korea for communications; they'd rather do that than let N.Korea launch shit. For instance, amateur radio satellites are used internationally as they orbit the earth -- so basically, communications satellites can be shared to some extent. But yeah, missile technology does make sense, because it seems to be the only thing the N.Korean government is putting money in. I didn't know it was salable though. That kinda scares me. Who's North Korea's market?

I think I just shit my pants.

Yeh, makes sense. Fucked up world.

North Korea has successfully tested a nuclear bomb in '06 so there's no question that they have it. The problem for them is that it's unlikely they could have miniaturized one to fit in a missile/rocket warhead

I heard that the detonation failed, and it couldn't be classified as a nuclear bomb. Anyway, wtf is Kim Jong thinking? They have a terrible military, and would probably get decimated if a country invaded. They are like that annoying kid who acts all tough and makes fun of people, but if someone ever retaliated, would get the shit beaten out of him. Let's just hope he is taken out of power before nukes start getting into play here.

Geez. Didn't you play Metal Gear Solid? This is what they meant when they said nuclear deterrence would no longer cut it when irresponsible nations become able to use the technology.

Seriously though, I don't think they have a viable nuclear program. The Manhattan Project cost about $24 billion in 2008 dollars. Even if they somehow manage to buy a bomb from a country that already has them (China or Russia) I sincerely doubt they'd be able to actually put them to use. There's too much knowledge required and they don't exactly come with an instructions manual.

Like you say, it's a card that will allow them more weight on the international stage.

Yea, but the Manhattan Project was inventing PLUS creation of a nuclear bomb.... I think it would be much cheaper to build one off of some blueprints. Heck you can get the blueprints to create a nuke off of google lol.

jesus christ would you listen? even if kim jong il did decide to fire off a nuke

A) wouldnt be able to reach much farther than japan or mainland china
B) the korean peninsula would literally be wiped off the map by a US, Chinese, or Russian retaliatory attack

believe it or not, even CRAZY, MANIAC, POWER HUNGRY dictators and whatnot are at least logical enough to not fire off a single (or hell, even several) nuclear missile(s). the reason the soviet union was the only real nuclear threat at the time was because they had enough to actually win a nuclear exchange, and even that may be debatable.

I understand that, but it also causes a problem. What if they hypothetically attacked a country (IE: South Korea) using normal means (Infantry, Navy, Air). Would a country risk attacking N.K. in retaliation with the risk of getting Nuked?

No they probably won't fire a nuclear weapon, but I guarantee you that they'll be political pissants in the next decade or so. They'll want to be recognized as a world power. Not that I'm touting US hegemony, but their political interests might be a threat to us. I wouldn't be surprised if they made good with China and Russia, and joined BRIC. The world is definitely taking a multipolar turn, to the United States' and the Big 7(?)'s loss.

How would north koreas political interests be a threat to us?

They haven't made any direct threats and the only way you could see them as a threat would be from a position of supporting US hegemony.

The BRIC entity (the economies and the political ties between Brazil, Russia, India and China) would be a threat to US hegemony. But I misread an article -- South Korea's looking to join BRIC, not North Korea. BRIC's actually working to take care of North Korea's nuclear program, according to [http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/first-bric-foreign-ministers-meeting-friday_10047983.html]. At any rate, the economic growth of BRIC has seen unprecedented rates and their collective GDP is expected to surpass the Big 7's in 2020. Not to mention that they are politically at odds against the United States, a behavior instigated by Putin. I don't know if Medvedev will continue vying for global multipolarity, but things aren't looking good for our "hegemony."

You're right though, it would be a threat if they were to support our hegemony. Hahaha.