North Korea test-fired a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), potentially its third such test in 2023, enhancing its launch capabilities with quicker preparation. Solid-fuel tech offers advantages like safer and swifter operation, evading detection, and surviving better than liquid-fueled missiles. Historically, China and the US advanced solid fuel, while North Korea, China, and South Korea have developed smaller versions. Solid fuel, though less powerful than liquid, remains stable longer, yet North Korea's Hwasong-18's development faces technological challenges, according to South Korea's defense ministry.