December 15, 2004 :: Reuters :: News
The Missile Defense Agency yesterday attempted the first full test of its ground based midcourse defense system, but the interceptor missile failed to leave its silo. The target interceptor successfully launched from Kodiak island, but the the interceptor based at the Kwajalein Test Range in the Marshall Islands did not. The MDA cited an unspecified “anomaly.” had caused the interceptor to shut down automatically in its silo.
The failed test will probably become a setback for missile defense efforts, less on the technical than the political level. The failure is a particular embarrassment since the technology involved has nothing to do with the actual intercept of a ballistic missile. Rather, it seems to be related to the simple launch of the missile, and is thus the kind of problem which has been worked out decades ago.
The failed test in no way diminishes, however, the need for missile defense. It does reinforce the need for increased testing and for more proficient and effective systems. But no weapon system is perfect. It is for just such reason that there should therefore be backups and layers in our defenses. (Article)
» MDA press release on test attempt
» More stories on: Land-Based Systems, Testing - American
» Missile system details for: Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site (RTS)
