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MDA Conducts Second Flight Test Experiment With Hypersonic Test Bed

MDA Conducts Second Flight Test Experiment With Hypersonic Test Bed
Northrop Grumman graphic representation of how Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellites are meant to operate and enable targeting of enemy missiles. HBTSS is one element of work the Golden Dome initiative plans to expand upon. (Image: Northrop Grumman).

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted the second flight experiment of its Hypersonic Test Bed (HTB) on Jan.13, the agency said Tuesday. The HTB is a glide vehicle designed to provide a common platform for further experiments on hypersonic vehicles and targets. MDA said in this test, called HTB-2, a sounding rocket launched the glide vehicle into hypersonic flight before it separated.  "HTB-2 demonstrates our ability to affordably replicate hypersonic capabilities to enable testing of future hypersonic defense capabilities," MDA…

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