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If every test worked 100% of the time as planned you wouldn't learn very much - except that your tests weren't very challenging. Actually, I'd be suspicious of tests that always succeeded. That would make me think they were rigged.

Excellent point, one that many people ignore, particularly those who WANT the tests to fail, and relish the opportunity to take a cheap shot at the people who give this country the tools it needs to defend itself.

Thanks. I'll admit it, I'm biased, I'm a fan/supporter of missile defense. I've been following it as sort-of a hobby for years. (I'll admit the "Star Wars" moniker might have pulled me in a bit too) I'm pro missile defense for (what I think) are three very good reasons.

First, modern missile defense was started by President Reagan (as SDI, the Strategic Defense Initiative). Ever since then, there have been a lot of liberal/Democratic detractors and naysayers. Seeing them proved wrong (on yet another issue) is satisfying. Additionally, SDI/MD is one of only three Presidentially mandated programs in the history of the USA. The others were the Manhattan Project (nuclear bomb), and the Apollo program (mission to the Moon). We are seeing history in the making here. Like those other programs, SDI/MD is challenging, stretching technology to the limits. I expect we'll see spin-off benefits from it just as we did the other large programs.

Second, we need missile defense. Missile and WMD technology proliferation is a reality. Ballistic missiles are rapidly becoming the weapons system of choice for many Countries. Consider, if you're a Country slightly weaker or even on parity with your neighbors, how are you going to win friends and influence people? Armies and Air Forces can be defeated by similar Armies and Air Forces. They require expensive upkeep. Oh, and if you're a not too popular dictator, the Generals just may toss you out. On the other hand, a missile battery doesn't march on your palace and overthrow you. With the exceptions of a few systems, there really is no good, widespread way to defeat ballistic missiles (yet). So ballistic missiles are, and probably will be for years to come, the relatively cheap military/terror technology of choice. (until missile defense technology is more widespread)

Finally third, I'm an engineer by education and experience. Heck, my family says it is in my DNA/blood and it was inevitable... That part of me just loves to see a bunch of people say something is too hard, and then see another group of people go out and do it. The men/women working missile defense aren't perfect (who is?), but they apparently have made tremendous progress, and are continuing to push the envelope.