Date posted: 07/23/2008*

Standard Missile-3 Satellite Intercept Featured on Discovery Military Channel

During July and August, viewers of the Discovery Military Channel can watch the inside story of this year’s Standard Missile-3 satellite intercept. Discovery Channel will air a one-hour documentary featuring Raytheon Missile Systems Vice President Ed Miyashiro, Standard Missile-3 Block IA Program Director Rick Hussey, Standard Missile-3 Block IA Chief Engineer Gary Kochuba, Missile Defense Agency officials and others.

On Feb. 20, 2008, a Raytheon Company Standard Missile-3 intercepted and destroyed a failing satellite containing toxic fuel 153 miles above the Pacific Ocean. The SM-3 was specially modified for this unique operation, performing beyond its intended capabilities to intercept the target.

Highlights of the Intercept Team Effort

  • The Raytheon SM-3 team modified and delivered three flight rounds in less than a month.
  • The closing velocity of the modified SM-3 was more than double that of any previous flight test mission.
  • The modified SM-3 intercepted the satellite at a higher altitude than any previous Ballistic Missile Defense engagement.

Raytheon Missile Systems provided the Discovery Channel with footage of previous SM-3 flight tests, animation of the satellite intercept and background information. The program is expected to air several times on Discovery Military and the other Discovery channels.

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