Modified Minuteman II, Vandenberg AFB, CA

January 18, 2000, 18:19 PDT

Exposure: 10 seconds, f/3.5
Film: Fujicolor 100 color print
Lens: Tamaron 28mm-200mm .
Location: Winchester Canyon Road, Goleta, CA.

Star Wars - the fight goes on!

This was the second launch to test the National Missile Defense Program initially proposed by Ronald Reagan. The first launch on October 2, 1999 produced a succesful intercept and spectacular launch.

Low clouds on launch date produced poor viewing. The intercept itself was a failure as the Kill Vehicle (KV) launched downrange in the south Pacific, failed to intercept the Minuteman II package. The fate of the program?


For more information contact Tony Galván.

All images © 2000, Anthony Galván III. Any use without written permission is strictly prohibited.