[Launch Alert] Missile Malfunction

[kd6nrp at earthlink.net]

TARGET MISSILE MALFUNCTION HALTS THAAD FLIGHT TEST IN NEW MEXICO
                      White Sands Missile Range News Release
 
The Missile Defense Agency was unable to complete a planned flight
test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system today due to
a target missile failure at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

An anomaly occurred shortly after the target missile was launched at
4:30 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time (6:30 a.m. EDT).  The Hera target missile
was destroyed by range safety officers approximately two minutes after it
was launched.  The THAAD interceptor missile was not launched due to the
target failure.  Program officials will analyze telemetry data from the
target missile to determine the cause of the anomaly.  A decision on
rescheduling the test will be made after the mission review is completed.