RTS possesses the only treaty-approved launch site from which the United States can test, due to extended flight distances, "operational" Strategic ABM interceptor missiles. This site has been used to support strategic interceptor launches dating back to the Sprint and Spartan interceptor systems used for the Safeguard system. The Meck Island site has supported the Homing Overlay Experiment (HOE), the Exoatmospheric Reentry Interceptor Subsystem (ERIS), and the current Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) tests providing critical development tests for the National Missile Defense (NMD) program.

ALTERNATE TARGET LAUNCH SITES

The map below illustrates relative locations and ranges of target launch sites at Wake Island and Aur Atoll as well as other sites under consideration (red lines) for support of TMD test activities.

The Wake Island target launch facilities include one 50K launcher and a stool launcher for HERA at Wake Island and missile storage and build-up facilities. The Wake Island facilities are being upgraded to support future mandated Multiple Simultaneous Engagement tests of TBM interceptors.

The Aur Atoll launch facility (not pictured) is a minimally improved site suitable for tactical launch systems that do not require significant infrastructure.

Local RTS launch facilities include two 20K sounding rocket launchers at Roi-Namur Island, suitable for sub-scale target and penaid studies. RTS also has a 5K sounding rocket launcher at Kwajalein Island (not pictured), used primarily for meteorological soundings.

In addition to the RTS-supported facilities, RTS also provides support for visiting tactical interceptor systems such as the PATRIOT system (PATRIOT radar ) and the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. THAAD will conduct Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) tests as well as DT/OT operations at RTS.