31140 - NFIRE

NFIRE (Near Field InfraRed Experiment) is an American military (Missile Defense Agency) satellite that is designed to carry a kill vehicle (KV) to aim at any rocket that is launched directly against it. It was launched by a Minataur 1 rocket from Wallops Island in Virginia at 06:48 UT on 24 April 2007. Its instruments can distinguish the fiery exhaust plume at the launch phase from the rocket body. The MDA will launch two ballistic missiles toward NFIRE from Vandenberg AFB to test the NFIRE/KV performances. Two more NFIREs are under construction.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2007-04-24
Launch Vehicle: Minotaur 1
Launch Site: Wallops Island, United States