Missile Intercept Test Postponed to Sunday

The planned intercept of a long-range ballistic missile target scheduled for tonight over the central Pacific Ocean has been postponed due to poor weather conditions at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and the site of the launch of the target missile for the interceptor. The poor weather did not meet range safety requirements. The intercept test has been rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, with a launch window of 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. EST, contingent upon improvement of weather conditions.

The test is being conducted by the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) in support of research and development efforts associated with the Ground-based Midcourse Defense program, formerly known as National Missile Defense.

News media points of contact are Cheryl Irwin, OSD Public Affairs, at (703) 697-5331 or Lt. Col. Rick Lehner, BMDO External Affairs, at (703) 697-8997.