The Missile Defense Agency said that a ground-based interceptor missile launched from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., successfully intercepted a target missile launched from Kodiak, Alaska. According to an MDA release, “Initial indications are that the rocket motor system and the kill vehicle performed as designed.” The exercise also tested the Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Beale AFB, Calif., the Sea-Based X-band radar, and SPY-1 radar aboard an Aegis ballistic missile defense ship.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy John F. Plumb warned lawmakers that Russia is developing an “indiscriminate” nuclear weapon to go in space, confirming reports from several months ago and describing potentially devastating effects in orbit.