North Korea 'carries out fresh missile equipment tests' Such fuel tests would boost development of engines for the Unha-3, the rocket which North Korea unsuccessfully launched in April, or what seemed to be a new, longer-range missile displayed at a military parade the same month. "In the aftermath of the US and South Korean presidential elections, Pyongyang may embark on a new round of activities in the first half of 2013, including rocket and nuclear tests that will contribute to further development of its nuclear deterrent," he wrote on the institute's blog, 38 North. South Korea's defense minister, Kim Kwan-Jin, said last week that North Korea had completed preparations for another nuclear test and long-range missile launches. However, 38 North in September reported a work stoppage at a new launch pad for intercontinental missiles - possibly due to rain - that could set the project back by up to two years. North Korea defiantly went ahead with the rocket launch in April, saying it was trying to put a satellite in orbit, but it disintegrated just two to three minutes after blast-off. The test put a halt to the latest international effort to engage the isolated state, with the United States calling off plans to deliver badly needed food assistance.