[Launch Alert] Missile Defense Test Results

[Launch Alert]

The following is a statement from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency:

Missile Defense Test Conducted

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.--The Missile Defense Agency was unable to achieve a 
planned intercept of a ballistic missile target during a test over the Pacific 
Ocean today. The flight test included the successful flight of an 
intermediate-range ballistic missile target from Ronald Reagan Test Site on 
Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and a long-Range 
interceptor missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

The Sea Based X-Band radar (SBX) and all sensors performed as planned. The 
Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) was launched and successfully deployed an 
Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV). Program officials will conduct an extensive 
investigation to determine the cause of the failure to intercept the target. 
The next flight test will be determined after identification of the cause of 
the failure.