A long-range ground-based interceptor is launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., successfully evaluating performance of alternate divert thrusters for the system's Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle. This test, designated as Ground-based Midcourse Defense Controlled Test Vehicle-02+, was a planned non-intercept flight test. Data from this test will be used to improve the Ground-based Midcourse Defense element of the nation's Ballistic Missile Defense System.

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Photo credit: © AB Forces News Collection / Alamy / Afripics
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Keywords: bmds, defense, ekv, gbi, gmd, interceptor, mda, missile, vandenberg