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On
September 15, 1999, Space Vector Corporation successfully launched
a two-stage rocket from Kodiak Island, Alaska in support of the
Air Force Space and Missile System’s (SMC) atmospheric interceptor
technology (ait-2) program. Space Vector, prime contractor for the
mission, was responsible for launch vehicle development, payload
integration, system testing and launch operations. The mission
was conducted with the support of the Alaska Aerospace Development
Corporation, developers of the Kodiak launch facility; and the Naval
Air Weapons Center at Point Mugu, California, the lead range coordinator.
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The
boost vehicle consisted of a Thiokol Castor IVB first stage and
a decommissioned Minuteman M57 as a second stage. The front
section housed the payloads and Space Vector's inertial navigation
system. The payload suite included experimental targets provided
by Sandia National Labs and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s
Countermeasures Hands-On Program (CHOP). Ionospheric experiments
were furnished by Boston University.
Lift-off was at 1:00 pm local Kodiak time. Launched in a south-easterly
direction with an impact range of over 1200 miles and an apogee
of over 600 miles, the mission was designed to conduct several complex
maneuvers during the post-boost phase of flight. |
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These
included maneuvers to accommodate viewing by on-board instruments
and to provide optimum target viewing from ground based radar systems
located at Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento, California. |
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Click here for an ait-2
Medium Range Target Brochure in a .pdf file
format.
DoD
Contractor Performance Assessment Report
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