Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Ground-Based Interceptor completes successful flight test

    VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CA, UNITED STATES

    01.26.2013

    Story by Debra Christman 

    Missile Defense Agency

    VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - The Missile Defense Agency successfully completed a flight test of a three-stage Ground-Based Interceptor, launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., at 2 p.m. today.

    Data from this flight test will be used to evaluate the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle system performance in a flight environment.

    If a target missile were present, the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle would collide directly with the threat warhead to perform a hit-to-kill intercept. Engineering data from this test will be used to improve confidence for future intercept missions.

    A target missile launch was not planned for this flight test. After performing fly out maneuvers, the three-stage booster deployed the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle to a designated point in space.

    After separating from the booster, the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle executed a variety of pre-planned maneuvers to collect performance data in space.

    Initial indications are that all components performed as designed. Program officials will assess and evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test.

    Today’s event, designated Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Control Test Vehicle (GM CTV)-01, is part of an extensive test series initiated after the Flight Test Ground-Based Interceptor (FTG)-06a failure in December 2010.

    The Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle flown during GM CTV-01 was modified based on findings from the FTG-06a Failure Review Board. This test is the critical first step in returning GMD to successful intercept testing.

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.26.2013
    Date Posted: 01.26.2013 23:16
    Story ID: 101096
    Location: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CA, US

    Web Views: 226
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN