
The Taepodong 2 (TD-2), is a designation used to for a North Korean built three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) design that is the successor to the Taepodong 1. Very little is currently known about the missile design. On July 5, 2006, one was reportedly tested and, according to preliminary reports, failed around 35-40 seconds after launch, crashing into the ocean. Some sources suggest that the an unknown number of Taepodong 2 missiles have been deployed in underground silos as of 2008.Based on the size of the missile, the fuel composition, and the likely fuel capacity, it is estimated that the three stage missile would be capable of reaching from 3,500 km to 6,400 km. At maximum range, the Taepodong 2 is estimated to have a payload capacity of less than 500 kg. Whether this would be large enough to carry a North Korean designed nuclear warhead is currently unknown, as the full development status of the North Korean nuclear program is largely unknown.