Explained: Solid-Fuel Missiles And Why Is North Korea Developing Them?

Solid propellants are a mixture of fuel and oxidiser. Metallic powders such as aluminium often serve as the fuel.

North Korea's Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), launched for the second time on Wednesday, uses solid-fuel technology, giving it the capability to launch with little preparation.

Here are some characteristics of solid-fuel technology, and how it can help the North improve its missile systems.

WHAT IS SOLID-FUEL TECHNOLOGY?