White Sands missile defense test a success

The Air Force successfully completed its third test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system this morning at White Sands Missile Range.

Area media reported that the test, which took place at about 5:30 a.m., was seen in El Paso and as far away as Phoenix.

The missile defense system test comes days after North Korea’s testing of several missiles. The United States was prepared to shoot down one missile that had been aimed at the waters near Hawaii, but the missile failed.

Two more launches will be held at White Sands before testing moves to Hawaii. The system could be operational within two years.

The test was first reported by KFOX-TV in Las Cruces.