Key test of U.S. missile-defense system is scrubbed because of Alaska fog

A key test of the U.S. missile defense system was postponed Thursday because of fog in Alaska, authorities said.

Photo: Key test of U.S. missile-defense system is scrubbed because of Alaska fog

Key test of U.S. missile-defense system is scrubbed because of Alaska fog

An interceptor missile was supposed to have been launched from this California base on a near-collision course with a missile lifting off from Kodiak Island in Alaska.

However, Kodiak was socked in by fog and the launch was put off until Friday at the earliest, Vandenberg spokesman Jack Hokanson.

The interceptor, launched from an underground silo, will carry a smaller "kill vehicle" to be released in space. It is designed to lock on to an approaching enemy missile and fly into the warhead at 18,000 mph (28,960 kph).

The test is designed to see how well the kill vehicle's optical sensors work and will be considered a success even if no collision occurs, officials said, reports AP.