U.S. Tests Missile Defense Components

A U.S. Air Force launch of a long-range missile Wednesday allowed for testing of several components of the U.S. missile defense system, according to a press release issued (see GSN, Dec. 5, 2007).

The Missile Defense Agency called the missile test a “target of opportunity.”

The Space-Based Infrared System and the Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Beale Air Force Base in California were used to detect and track the test missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. 

The sensors sent information to the Ballistic Missile Defense System Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications system, demonstrating the system’s ability to chart a missile’s course more accurately by combining data from multiple detection sources.

The Sea-Based X-band Radar also monitored and gathered data on the missile’s flight for later analysis (U.S. Missile Defense Agency release, April 3).

Back to top
About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines © Copyright 2008 by National Journal Group, Inc. The material in this section is produced independently for NTI by National Journal Group, Inc. Any reproduction or retransmission, in whole or in part, is a violation of federal law and is strictly prohibited without the consent of the National Journal Group, Inc. All rights reserved.