Missile Defense Intercept Test Fails

A test of the U.S. missile defense system failed today when the interceptor failed to launch, according to the Associated Press (see GSN, Feb. 8).

The test was set to involve a missile interceptor hitting a mock ICBM launched from Alaska, AP reported. While the target ICBM successfully launched, the interceptor did not leave its silo on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

There are early indications that the failed interceptor launch resulted from problems with ground support equipment, and not the interceptor itself, U.S. Missile Defense Agency spokesman Rick Lehner said. No date for the next test has been announced, AP reported.

A system test also failed in December when the interceptor did not launch (John Lumpkin, Associated Press/Kansas City Star, Feb. 14).

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