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Ready: 4 to 7 years

A March test allowed experts to learn about the propellant being used simply by observing the exhaust. Earlier tests had smoky exhaust, indicating kerosene, but this plume was orange, indicating carbon, and translucent. “The most likely candidate is unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, though other hydrazine derivatives and similar compounds are possible,” Schilling says. This fuel gives a rocket 15 per cent more power. “It was more advanced and efficient than anything we had really expected them to be able to develop for the first stage of their ICBMS.”