Because the launches will test several new aspects of the missile defense system, Lehner said the interceptor actually shooting down the target is not a primary goal of the mission.
The test is the first in which the interceptor uses the same booster rocket that the operational system uses, Lehner said.
Two previous tests scheduled for this year were delayed due to technical problems. In earlier testing, which critics derided as highly scripted, the interceptors went five-for-eight when launched with the goal of hitting target missiles.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&ncid=693&e=8&u=/ap/20041209/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/missile_defense
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