Which of the following best describes the 2017 North Korea missile test?

• A. A Test of a Missile Too Short to Reach U.S. Territory.
• B. A Successful Ballistic Missile That Reached Near the U.S. Mainland.
• C. A Missile Test Potentially Capable of Reaching Alaska.
• D. An Unsuccessful Test With No Target.

Answer: (C)

The test showcased a longer-range ballistic capability, meaning the missiles involved could reach intercontinental distances under a practical flight profile. In 2017, analyses of the launches indicated enough range that Alaska would be within reach, even though no actual strike occurred and no part of the U.S. mainland was targeted. That nuance—demonstrating intercontinental-range capability without hitting a target—fits best with describing the test as potentially capable of reaching Alaska. The other statements aren’t supported by the event: it wasn’t a short-range test, it didn’t produce a successful interception of the U.S. mainland, and it wasn’t an unsuccessful test with no target.