Five out of eight tests of the ground-based system have succeeded, he noted.
Many more tests will be needed before a reliable ground-based system is ready for use.
The launch tonight was the seventh of 18 tests anticipated by the Pentagon for its ground-based system.
If they simply object to paying a higher rate of return, why not just have a different tariff for ground-based systems, as on the Continent?
The ground-based systems operational today trace their roots back to this concept.
Its advantages over ground-based systems are seen as greater flexibility and better protection from enemy attack.
As with any ground-based optical system, cloud cover and local weather conditions directly influence its effectiveness.
We have no idea if Master System still has ground-based defensive systems.
Other sensors, including satellites and ground-based systems, would be added over time.
Full production of a ground-based antimissile system would cost much more than $60 billion.