The major driver for a test of this nature is to evaluate the marriage of the various missile components with the payload. If the payload is a simulator for a warhead (same weight etc.) then the performance of the test missile is a predictor of s future weapon system.

However, there is much more to integrating a warhead with a launch vehicle than just physically attaching it. That is the data we seek to deny the North. Such information places them one big step closer to having a functional weapon … something they are likely to share with Iran and something they are likely to use to intimidate South Korea and Japan.

We will be taking all kinds of ‘measurements’ (for lack of better word at this hour of the day) and gathering assorted intel as the launch happens.

I know I m not explaining this very well: I m tired with little sleep: but bottom line is— we have nothing to fear from this launch.. and much to gain from it.