12 December 2001
Non-intercept test of defense system set for Thursday
By Janene Scully
Staff Writer

A new missile defense system booster will take to the skies Thursday for the second time in a test aiming to prove the pieced-together parts will work.

The booster verification test is set for 10 a.m. Thursday, with the window remaining open six hours. The weapon, carrying a mock interceptor, will pop out of an underground silo on north Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Launch weather officers predict only a minimal chance that conditions would prevent liftoff, since the test day falls between weather systems heading to the Central Coast. If the test is delayed to Friday, conditions worsen dramatically because of thick clouds, rain and wind.

This test is for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense segment, but doesn't involve an intercept attempt.

Rather, it's to prove the new booster, made from technology used for other launch vehicles, will work as designed.

Officials dubbed the booster system's first test flight, which occurred Aug. 31 from Vandenberg, a success.

"It's basically the exact same configuration," said Lt. Col. Rick Lehner, spokesman for the Ballistic Missile Defense System.

The Boeing-built vehicle uses an Alliant Graphite Epoxy Motor, a derivative of the strap-on booster used on Delta 2 rockets. The upper portion of the new missile uses two United Technologies Orbus motors.

Pentagon officials said a Compliance Review Group deemed the test won't violate arms control treaties.

Staff writer Janene Scully can be reached at (805) 739-2214 or by e-mail at janscully@pulitzer.net