Turbulence For ABL

An Airborne Laser Test Bed intercept attempt scheduled for last night did not take place, according to a Missile Defense Agency spokesman. "Weather was too turbulent at altitude," MDA's Rick Lehner told reporters in an e-mail.

"The turbulence and wind shear can impact the optics for the sighting equipment on the aircraft," Lehner explained.

The next opportunity for an intercept will be this weekend, either Saturday or Sunday, he added.