Vandenberg AFB launches ground-based interceptor missile
A ground-based interceptor missile launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Jan. 28.
Vandenberg Air Force Base’s 30th Space Wing conducted a successful test Jan. 28 of an unarmed ground based interceptor missile.
It launched at 1:57 p.m. from the northern part of the base to destroy a mock enemy warhead launched from the Marshall Islands over the Pacific Ocean just west of Hawaii, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said in a news release.
The three stage rocket released a vehicle which performed a series of maneuvers and then flew until it ran out of fuel. The missile intentionally missed the mock warhead the vehicle targeted.
Col. Shane Clark, 30th Space Wing vice commander, said in a news release the launch was a roaring success.
“Both the 30th Space Wing and the Missile Defense Agency worked hard to get the team ready for this test,” Clark said. “Today’s launch is testament to the professionalism of all involved and the close relationships we have with our missile defense partners.”
• Contact Philip Joens at [email protected].
