White Sands Missile Range conducted a missile test Thursday producing a
contrail visible from as far away as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and
Salt Lake City.
The test of the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 or PAC-3 missile was conducted
using a Juno missile as a target.
The Juno was launched from Fort Wingate
near Gallup N.M., and flew to White Sands Missile Range to be intercepted by
the PAC-3.
The sunlight lit up the contrail from the Juno creating a light show. The
Juno performed as expected. This was the 14th time a large ballistic target
missile has been fired from Fort Wingate since 1998. The contrail has not
always been visible from so far away depending upon the time of day and
atmospheric conditions.
Range personnel coordinated the test with FAA and other authorities to
ensure that the test was conducted safely. The White Sands work force is
experienced in conducting complex missile testing.
White Sands Missile Range is member of the Army Test and Evaluation Command
and is a premiere test location for the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as
foreign and civilian customers.