21 Dec. 1998

U.S. spy satellites detected signs that North Korea might be preparing another test of its new Taepo-dong ballsitic missle. White House officials warned of a crisis in the making.

U.S officials assume that it will occur soon -- and they are also watching what appears to be construction of underground launch facilities. The rapid development of the three-stage Taepo-dong surprised the United States, South Korea, and Japan, when it was first launched on August 31.