Kwajalein
Kwajalein
Credit - © Mark Wade
Type: Suborbital Launch Site. Operator: USA. Country: USA. Latitude: 8°60' N. Longitude: 167°43' E.

The US military base located on this Pacific island group has major tracking facilities and is near the impact area for dummy warheads fired by ICBM's from Vandenberg AFB. It is a key test location for anti-ballistic missile systems.

The early launch locations for the Spartan missile were on Kwajalein Island as the Meck radar/launch complex did not become operational until later. Between 1969 and 1971 launch activity shifted to Meck and Illeginni Islands. Illeginni was a remote site, unmanned during launches.

Launch Pads
  • Name: Illeginni Island. Latitude: 9.0000 N. Longitude: 167.7000 E. Launch Pads: 1. Sprint.
  • Name: Kwajalein Drop Zone, Pacific Ocean. Latitude: 7.6500 N. Longitude: 167.7000 E. Launch Pads: 1. Pegasus.
Kwajalein Chronology and Launch Log
  • 1961 November 15 - Highball Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Asp Apache. LC: RN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1962 March 5 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1962 Jul 19 1135? 11:35 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1962 Dec 12 1210? 12:10 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1962 Dec 22 1000? 10:00 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1963 March 21 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1963 March 29 02:57 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).

  • 1963 March 29 02:57 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 102 km (63 mi).

  • 1963 April 19 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1963 May 23 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1963 Jun 12 0930? 09:30 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1963 June 18 03:28 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).

  • 1963 June 20 03:00 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).

  • 1963 July 3 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1963 July 12 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1963 August 26 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1963 November 4 12:27 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1963 November 4 10:31 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1963 November 9 16:26 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1963 November 14 14:58 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1963 Nov 14? - Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1963 December 18 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1963 December 18 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1964 January 6 - Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1964 January 23 18:25 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1964 March 13 18:20 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1964 May 12 11:25 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).

  • 1964 May 12 11:25 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 107 km (66 mi).

  • 1964 June 17 01:01 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 120 km (70 mi).

  • 1964 June 18 16:30 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1964 June 18 02:19 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1964 June 19 01:29 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun PMR-15 Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1964 June 19 15:40 - Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike-Cajun. Nike Cajun PMR-16 Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1965 Mar - Simulated target Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1965 Mar - Simulated target Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1965 Jun? - Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1965 Jun? - Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1965 Jul? - Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1965 Jul? - Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1966 January 13 - Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1966 May 6 - Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Zeus. Nike Zeus 2K-61 Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1968 March 30 - KT-1 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800003 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1968 May 22 - KT-2 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800004 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1968 August 7 - KT-3 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800005 LC: Meck. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

  • 1968 September 16 - KT-4 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Failure. Spartan ABM 800007 LC: Meck. Apogee: 2.00 km (1.20 mi).

  • 1968 November 21 - KT-5 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Failure. Spartan ABM 800006 LC: Meck. Apogee: 2.00 km (1.20 mi).

  • 1969 February 6 - KT-6 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800008 LC: Meck. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

  • 1969 April 25 - KT-7 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800010 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1969 May 18 - KT-8 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800009 LC: Meck. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi).

  • 1969 June 4 - KT-9 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Failure. Spartan ABM 800011 LC: Meck. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi).

  • 1969 July 16 - KT-10 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800013 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1969 July 31 - KT-11 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800014 LC: Meck. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

  • 1969 August 13 - KT-12 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Failure. Spartan ABM 800012 LC: Meck.

  • 1969 October 17 - KT-13 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800016 LC: Meck. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

  • 1969 November 25 - KT-14 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800015 LC: Meck. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

  • 1969 December 15 - KT-15 Test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800017 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1970 April 14 - Safeguard M1-1 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Failure. Spartan ABM 800018 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1970 June 24 - Safeguard M1-1A Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800019 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1970 August 28 - Safeguard M1-4 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1970 October 3 - Safeguard M1-27 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1970 December 23 - Safeguard M1-12 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-49 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1971 January 11 - SAFEGUARD M1-30 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800021 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1971 January 11 - SAFEGUARD M1-30 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800024 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1971 February 23 - Safeguard M1-28 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-46 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1971 March 17 - SAFEGUARD M1-13 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-51 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1971 March 17 - SAFEGUARD M1-13 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-50 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1971 April 21 - Safeguard M1-7A Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1971 May 7 - Safeguard M1-8 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-42 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1971 August 27 - Safeguard M2-1 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800031 LC: Meck. Apogee: 123 km (76 mi).

  • 1971 September 23 - Safeguard M1-14A Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Failure. Spartan ABM 800032 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1971 October 7 - Safeguard M2-2 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-48 LC: Meck. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

  • 1971 November 10 - Safeguard M2-8 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-56 LC: Meck. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

  • 1971 November 10 - Safeguard M2-5 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-57 LC: Meck. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

  • 1971 December 8 - Safeguard M2-3 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800027 LC: Meck. Apogee: 148 km (91 mi).

  • 1972 January 6 - Safeguard M2-4 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-61 LC: Meck. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

  • 1972 January 20 - Safeguard M2-6 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800030 LC: Meck. Apogee: 88 km (54 mi).

  • 1972 March 16 - Safeguard M2-7 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-63 LC: IL. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

  • 1972 March 30 - Safeguard M2-9 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800033 LC: Meck. Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 1972 May 5 - Safeguard M2-11 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-64 LC: Meck. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

  • 1972 May 24 - Safeguard M2-10 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-59 LC: IL. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

  • 1972 June 9 - Isolated Rail test mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. LC: Meck. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi).

  • 1972 June 23 - Safeguard M2-19 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800026 LC: Meck. Apogee: 70 km (43 mi).

  • 1972 July 15 - Safeguard M2-15 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-53 LC: Meck. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi).

  • 1972 August 3 - Safeguard M2-34 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800029 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1972 August 17 - Safeguard M2-42 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Failure. Sprint ABM FLA-70 LC: Meck.

  • 1972 August 24 - Safeguard M2-42A Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-66 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1972 October 11 - Safeguard M2-14 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Failure. Sprint ABM FLA-52 LC: Meck. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi).

  • 1972 October 26 - Safeguard M2-12 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800037 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1972 November 3 - Safeguard M2-40 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800036 LC: Meck. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

  • 1972 December 5 - SAFEGUARD M2-21 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-58 LC: IL. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1972 December 8 - SAFEGUARD M2-21 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-76 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1973 January 25 - Safeguard M2-26 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800039 LC: Meck. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

  • 1973 February 3 - Safeguard M2-43 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800035 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1973 February 22 - SAFEGUARD M2-41 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-60 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1973 February 22 - Safeguard TRM-97 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-75 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1973 February 22 - SAFEGUARD M2-41 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-73 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1973 June 7 - Safeguard M2-22 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-74 LC: Meck. Apogee: 4.00 km (2.40 mi).

  • 1973 June 22 - SAFEGUARD M2-45 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM PFT-01 LC: Meck. Apogee: 347 km (215 mi).

  • 1973 June 22 - SAFEGUARD M2-45 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM 800038 LC: Meck. Apogee: 340 km (210 mi).

  • 1973 July 20 - Safeguard M2-18 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-54 LC: IL. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1973 October 5 - Safeguard M2-27 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM PAVT-1 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1973 November 2 - Safeguard M2-38 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM PAVT-2 LC: IL. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1973 November 29 - Safeguard M2-25 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-65 LC: IL. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1974 January 22 - Safeguard M2-245 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Failure. Spartan ABM PFT-02 LC: Meck. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

  • 1974 February 14 - Safeguard M2-48 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-79 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1974 April 16 - Safeguard M2-148 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM FLA-81 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1974 July 18 - Safeguard TRM-133 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1974 August 2 - Safeguard M2-248 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM PAVT-3 LC: Meck. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  • 1974 September 20 - Safeguard M2-245A Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM PFT-02A LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1974 October 2 - Safeguard M2-348 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM PAVT-4 LC: Meck. Apogee: 4.00 km (2.40 mi).

  • 1974 October 17 - Safeguard M2-448 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM PAVT-5 LC: Meck. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi).

  • 1974 November 1 - Safeguard M2-445 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM PFT-3 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1974 December 7 - HAVE JEEP II re-entry vehicle test flight? Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1975 January 9 - Re-entry Vehicle Test mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Castor 2R LC: RN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1975 January 28 - Magnetospheric mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk Barium cloud Apogee: 185 km (114 mi).

  • 1975 January 31 - Magnetospheric mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk Barium cloud Apogee: 185 km (114 mi).

  • 1975 February 5 - Magnetospheric mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Tomahawk. Nike Tomahawk Barium cloud Apogee: 185 km (114 mi).

  • 1975 April 3 - Safeguard M2-345 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM PFT-4 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1975 April 17 - Safeguard M2-545 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Spartan. Spartan ABM PFT-5 LC: Meck. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

  • 1975 April 30 - Safeguard M2-548 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Sprint. Sprint ABM PAVT-6 LC: Meck. Apogee: 4.00 km (2.40 mi).

  • 1975 August 7 - Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Castor 2R LC: RN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1975 December 4 - Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Castor 2R LC: RN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1976 June 27 - Technology mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Castor 2R LC: RN. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1976 July 29 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac. HJ Nike Hydac HAVE JEEP IV-1 Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1976 August 21 03:40 - TREP ABRES Density Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Hydac. Failure. Nike Hydac GL A11.605 LC: RN. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi).

  • 1976 August 31 03:40 - TREP SAMSO 1202-B Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Hydac. Nike Hydac GL A11.408-1 LC: RN. Apogee: 188 km (116 mi).

  • 1977 May 18 13:43 - ABRES Density/TDV-1 Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Hydac. Nike Hydac GL A11.712-1 LC: RN. Apogee: 188 km (116 mi).

  • 1977 July 29 - HAVE JEEP IV re-entry vehicle test flight? Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac. HJ Nike Hydac SRK-11 LC: RN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1978 April 5 12:26 - DENSITY Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Hydac. Nike Hydac GL A11.712-4 Apogee: 175 km (108 mi).

  • 1978 April 5 11:58 - DENSITY Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: Nike Hydac. Nike Hydac GL A11.712-3 Apogee: 26 km (16 mi).

  • 1978 December 5 - DOT 1 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: Blue Scout Junior. Castor 2R LC: RN. Apogee: 235 km (146 mi).

  • 1979 July 17 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Terrier Malemute. Terrier Malemute Sandia 497-011 Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1979 July 24 - Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: Terrier Malemute. Terrier Malemute Sandia 497-012 Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1980 February 5 - DOT 2 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: DOT. LC: RN. Apogee: 324 km (201 mi).

  • 1980 September 17 - DOT 3 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: DOT. LC: RN. Apogee: 296 km (183 mi).

  • 1981 June 12 - DOT 4 Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: DOT. LC: RN. Apogee: 303 km (188 mi).

  • 1983 February 7 - HOE 1 ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: HOE. HOE HOE 1 Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1983 May 28 - HOE 2 ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: HOE. HOE HOE 2 Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1983 December 15 - HOE 3 ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: HOE. HOE HOE 3 Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1984 June 10 - HOE 4 ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: HOE. HOE HOE 4 Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

  • 1987? - HAVE JEEP VII-A Target mission Launch Vehicle: Talos Sergeant Hydac. LC: RN?. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1987 October 4 - HAVE JEEP IV-D re-entry vehicle test flight? Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac. LC: RN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1987 November 18 - HAVE JEEP VIII-A re-entry vehicle test flight? Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac. LC: RN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1988? - HAVE JEEP VII-C Target mission Launch Vehicle: Talos Sergeant Hydac. LC: RN?. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1988 March 7 - HAVE JEEP VII-B Target mission Launch Vehicle: Talos Sergeant Hydac. Failure. LC: RN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1988 October 19 - HAVE JEEP II-C re-entry vehicle test flight? Launch Vehicle: HJ Nike Hydac. LC: RN. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  • 1990 July 30 09:48 - EQUIS Spread F Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Malemute. Terrier Malemute NASA 29.28UE LC: RN. Apogee: 480 km (290 mi).

  • 1990 August 2 10:07 - EQUIS Spread F Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Malemute. Terrier Malemute NASA 29.29UE LC: RN. Apogee: 480 km (290 mi).

  • 1990 August 11 08:10 - CRRES AA-5 Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Taurus Nike Tomahawk TNT. Taurus Nike Tomahawk NASA 38.17UE LC: RN. Apogee: 375 km (233 mi).

  • 1990 August 15 08:43 - CRRES Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Taurus Nike Tomahawk TNT. Taurus Nike Tomahawk NASA 38.16UE LC: RN. Apogee: 440 km (270 mi).

  • 1990 August 15 08:29 - CRRES AA-6 Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Taurus Nike Tomahawk TNT. Taurus Nike Tomahawk NASA 38.15UE LC: RN. Apogee: 428 km (265 mi).

  • 1990 August 22 08:16 - NICARE Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant IX NASA 36.56DE LC: RN. Apogee: 350 km (210 mi).

  • 1990 August 22 08:40 - CRRES Plasma mission Launch Vehicle: Taurus Nike Tomahawk TNT. Taurus Nike Tomahawk NASA 38.18UE LC: RN. Apogee: 440 km (270 mi).

  • 1991 January 28 18:24 - ERIS Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: ERIS. ERIS 1 LC: Meck. Apogee: 270 km (160 mi). During the mission the TRW team monitored a mission telephone com channel real time in Redondo Beach. Participants recall the intense, "nail biting" anxiety as they waited the approximate 30 minutes it took for the RV to reach the nominal intercept point, over the Pacific and closer to Hawaii than to Kwajalein Atoll. Launch of the Minuteman I target from Vandenberg AFB came at 1803:00.3, launch of the ERIS interceptor at 1824:24.2, and kinetic intercept over Pacific at 1832:08.2.

  • 1992 March 13 - ERIS Interceptor mission Launch Vehicle: ERIS. ERIS 2 LC: Meck. Apogee: 290 km (180 mi). This second test or ERIS against a Minuteman I was considered successful enough that no further tests were planned. A second launch attempt on 11 May 1991 had been scrubbed after launch of the target missile but before launch of the interceptor. Further develoment of the technology was to be accomplished by the Orbital Sciences' Aries test vehicle with spectacularly poor results.

  • 1997 June 24 04:00 - IFT-1A EKV ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV PLV LC: Meck. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). Non-intercept fly-by to assess the performance of the Boeing-built EKV seeker, collect target phenomenological data, and evaluate (post-test) target-modeling and discrimination algorithms. Boeing was not chosen as the NMD EKV contractor, partly as a result of its system's performance on this test.

  • 1998 January 16 03:46 - IFT-2 EKV ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV PLV LC: Meck. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Non-intercept fly-by to assess the performance of the Raytheon-built EKV seeker, collect target phenomenological data, and evaluate (post-test) target-modeling and discrimination algorithms. Raytheon was chosen as the NMD EKV contractor, partly as a result of its system's performance on this test.

  • 1999 October 3 02:22 - IFT-3 EKV ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV PLV LC: Meck. Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). EKV anti-ballistic missile interceptor launched from Kwajalein Atoll by a two-stage PLV. Intercept of the MSLS launched by Minuteman 2 from Vandenberg was successful. Element test of the EKV, not an end-to-end system test, which relied on a surrogate booster vehicle and range assets to define the deployment basket and deliver the EKV to that location. Once deployed, the EKV operated autonomously to intercept the mock RV. Due to a malfunctioning Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which normally was used to position the EKV for the intercept, a backup method of locating the target had to be exercised. The EKV called upon its step-stare capabilities (which were used only during off-nominal circumstances) to extend its field of view since the target was not where it was anticipated. After executing that procedure, the EKV acquired its target.

  • 2000 January 19 02:40 - IFT-4 EKV ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV PLV LC: Meck. Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). Unsuccessful ABM test. First end-to-end system test (intercept attempt) using NMD prototype elements (except the IFICS) and range assets to approximate the objective system. The EKV was again successfully delivered by a surrogate booster and separated into the deployment basket. The failure to intercept was directly traceable to the cryogenic cooling system of the EKV, which failed to cool the IR sensors down to their operating temperatures in time because of an obstructed cooling line.

  • 2000 July 8 04:40 - IFT-5 EKV ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV PLV IFT-5 LC: Meck. Apogee: 230 km (140 mi). ABM test failure. Second end-to-end system test (intercept attempt) using NMD prototype elements and range assets to approximate the objective system. The IFICS served as the communication link between the BMC3 and EKV. The EKV did not separate from the surrogate booster due to an apparent failure in the 1553 data bus in the booster.

  • 2000 October 9 05:38 - HETE-2 Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Pegasus H F30/P-35 LC: L-1011. Apogee: 641 km (399 mi). First orbital launch from Kwajalein. Second High Energy Transient Explorer; built by MIT using leftover parts from the first HETE. This failed to operate because of a Pegasus adapter failure during launch in November 1996. MIT operates the satellite, while the program is managed by NASA GSFC as an Explorer mission of opportunity. HETE's main instrument is FREGATE, the French Gamma Telescope, a hard X-ray spectrometer operating in the 6 to 400 keV energy range. This gamma ray burst detector, together with a Wide Field X-ray Monitor hard X-ray coded mask telescope, is used to trigger searches with the two Soft X-ray Imagers which have 33-arcsecond spatial resolution. This will let astronomers get precise locations for gamma-ray bursts, allowing detailed follow-up with optical instruments. The satellite is in a 595 x 636 km x 2.0 deg equatorial orbit, and sends data to a network of small ground terminals spaced around the equator.

  • 2001 July 15 03:01 - IFT-6 EKV ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV PLV IFT-6 LC: Meck. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Successful ABM test, a repeat of IFT-5. The US Army then launched the Lockheed Martin PLV, consisting of SR19 and M57A1 stages, to an intercept it at an altitude of 225 km. The test was part of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defence Segment of the NMD (National Missile Defense) program.The prototype X-Band radar (XBR) used in IFT-6 could not process all the information it was receiving quickly enough, causing it to falsely report that the interceptor had missed its target. But in fact the interceptor functioned correctly, and the kill was confirmed by sensors on a satellite, a 747 jet, and ground stations. Starting in IFT-6, a recurring error was identified in the EKV's target position estimation data. The glitch never interfered with the effectiveness of the EKV, and was attributed to degraded EKV inertial measurement unit output data caused by electromagnetic interference from test-unique cabling.

  • 2001 December 4 05:20 - IFT-7 EKV ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV IFT-7 LC: Meck. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Successful ABM intercept test, a repeat of IFT-6.

  • 2002 March 16 02:32 - IFT-8 EKV ABM Test mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV PLV IFT-8 LC: Meck. Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Successful ABM intercept test, with additional decoy target balloons being introduced.

  • 2002 October 15 02:23 - IFT-9 EKV Target mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV PLV IFT-9 Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Successful intercept. The target suite consisted of a mock warhead and a number of decoys launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, towards the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein. IFT-9 (largely a replay of IFT-8) was designed to increase confidence in the GMD capability to execute hit-to-kill intercepts. Overall, the test execution was nominal although the EKV experienced the track gate anomaly previously observed in IFT-7 and IFT-8. The software changes incorporated in IFT-9 to mitigate this problem were not successful. The Aegis SPY-1 radar was used for the first time in a national missile defense capacity.

  • 2002 December 11 08:46 - IFT-10 EKV Target mission Launch Vehicle: Payload Launch Vehicle. Minuteman 2 PLV PLV IFT-10 Apogee: 225 km (139 mi). Attempted anti-ballistic missile night intercept. The EKV failed to separate from the surrogate boost vehicle. The failure to separate was attributed to a quality control failure combined with shank and vibration loads on the EKV. As a result, corrective measures taken to fix the track gate anomaly found in previous tests could not be tested. GMD suspended intercept flight testing after IFT-10. IFT-11 and IFT-12 that employed the problematic surrogate booster were eliminated from the schedule.

  • 2004 January 27 05:23 - IFT-13B [EKV Mock-up] test mission Launch Vehicle: OBV. OBV 3 Apogee: 272 km (169 mi). Launch delayed from October 2003. This system-level test of the Orbital Sciences’ boost vehicle launched the rocket carrying a simulated EKV from Kwajalein Atoll against a simulated target coming from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. IFT-13B was not an intercept attempt. Included in this test was the latest version of the GMD program’s fire control software, which was being built by Northrop Grumman and which performed as expected in this test.

  • 2004 August 7 09:11 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Improved Orion NASA 41.045UE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2004 August 7 09:07 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Improved Orion NASA 41.043UE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2004 August 7 08:52 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Malemute. Terrier Malemute NASA 29.037UE Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 2004 August 15 08:47 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Improved Orion NASA 41.044UE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2004 August 15 08:21 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Malemute. Terrier Malemute NASA 29.036UE Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

  • 2004 August 15 08:51 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Improved Orion NASA 41.046UE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2004 August 27 22:42 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Improved Orion NASA 41.041UE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2004 September 3 20:55 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant 8C NASA 27.145UE Apogee: 340 km (210 mi).

  • 2004 September 7 23:56 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Improved Orion NASA 41.048UE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2004 September 7 23:45 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VC NASA 21.132GE Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

  • 2004 September 17 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant VC NASA 21.133GE Apogee: 250 km (150 mi).

  • 2004 September 17 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Improved Orion NASA 41.047UE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2004 September 20 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Terrier Orion. Terrier Improved Orion NASA 41.042UE Apogee: 130 km (80 mi).

  • 2004 September 20 - EQUIS II Ionosphere mission Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Black Brant 8C NASA 27.146UE Apogee: 340 km (210 mi).

  • 2004 December 15 06:01 - IFT-13C Launch Abort Launch Vehicle: OBV. Launch abort; anti-ballistic missile never left silo.. Launch abort - booster shut down in silo. Missile target, launched from Alaska, impacted in Pacific Ocean. Delayed from January, August, November, December 9 and 12. The failed attempt was later said to be due to a very minor software glitch which created a gap in the flow of electronic messages between the flight computer and the interceptor's thrust vector controller. Five flight tests of the system were scheduled for 2005, including at least two attempted intercepts. The IFT-13c test was expected to be repeated as early as mid-February. IFT-14 was planned for March or April.

  • 2005 February 17 - IFT-14 launch attempt. Launch Vehicle: OBV. Launch abort - booster shut down in silo.. Delayed from October 2004. Missile Defense Technology / EKV Prototype planned intercept attempt. The interceptor failed to leave the silo. As in IFT-13C, Orbital Sciences’ booster, carrying Raytheon’s production kill vehicle, was supposed to fly from Kwajalein and hit a target coming out of Kodiak, Alaska. The system shut itself down just a few seconds before launch. Arms that held the interceptor in the silo did not fully retract, and the launch software aborted the mission. MDA failure analysis resulted in a redesign of the launch mechanism and improved quality control.

  • 2005 December 14 - FT-1 EKV Prototype ABM test Launch Vehicle: OBV. Launch delayed from late 2004. Successful test of hit-to-kill anti-ballistic missile homer, although no target was intercepted.

  • 2006 March 24 - Falconsat-2 Launch Vehicle: Falcon I. Fuel leak at T+25 seconds caused a fire in the first stage engine area. LC: Omelek. The satellite fell through the roof of SpaceX's machine shop on the atoll.

  • 2007 March 21 01:10 - DemoFlight 2 Launch Vehicle: Falcon I. Liquid oxygen slosh in the second stage created an oscillation, putting the stage in an uncontrollable roll, starving the engine from propellant.. LC: Omelek. An oscillation appeared in the upper stage control system 90 seconds into the burn. This instability grew and after 30 seconds induced a roll torque that exceeded the control capability of the second stage roll control thrusters. The propellants were centrifuged away from the outlets, causing flame-out of the Kestrel engine. LOX slosh was believed to be the primary contributor to this instability. Second stage slosh baffles would be included in future boosters to prevent reoccurence of the problem.

Bibliography and Further Reading
  • McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited and over 20,000 rocket launches Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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