Juno PTV successfully launched for Missile Defense Test

A Patriot Target Vehicle, also known as Juno, provided by the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, is seen prior to launch from the U.S. Army's Fort Wingate near Gallup, New Mexico Dec. 10. The rocket serves as an intercept target for the U.S. Army Lower Tier Project Office Patriot missile defense system.The Juno PTV soared high into the atmosphere on its way to the White Sands Missile Range to be intercepted by a Patriot Advanced Capability Three (PAC-3) missile system. SMC's Rocket Systems Launch Program and its mission partners re-utilizes excess motors from ICBMs for U.S. government research, development, test and evaluation efforts. The Juno PTV incorporates two solid rocket motors from the LGM-30F Minuteman II weapon system which was retired in 1994. (U.S. Army photo/White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs - Visual information)