The Missile Defense Agency and the Navy have completed a successful “hit to kill” missile defense test off Kauai, Hawaii, launching a Standard Missile-3 from an Aegis-class cruiser, USS Shiloh, on June 22. The test was the seventh successful intercept test in eight attempts involving the sea-based component of the system, according to MDA officials. It was the first time out for the refitted Shiloh and was the first time an ally participated in a US Aegis intercept test. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force provided one of the three Aegis destroyers used in the test.
The Space Force is looking for industry feedback on its plans to create a new “Mission Development Zone” at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., to support launch providers with space for additional payload processing capacity, test and assembly facilities, and potentially rocket and spacecraft manufacturing infrastructure.