KEI Ground Systems Pass Test Leading Toward Booster Flight

Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) missile defense system ground operations passed a dry-run test to reduce risks in a planned KEI booster flight later this year, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and North Grumman Corp. [NOC] announced.

The KEI pathfinder missile, fully functional with the exception of inert motors, was tested with range instrumentation, launch operations personnel and launch procedures. That dry-run test included checks of vehicle preparations, ground operations and range safety systems.

Testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., used a full-scale, flight-like booster using inert rocket motors and flight-qualified structures to fully validate all interfaces with the booster, ground support equipment and facility structures.

Once the booster was completely assembled, it was moved to the launch pad by the same transporter erector that will be used for the actual launch. The pathfinder booster was then lifted onto the launch stool by crane, duplicating the process that...