Scoop Images: The Missile That Wasn't Shot Down

7 July - M/V Arctic Sunrise gets early photo of failed Star Wars test as missile flies overhead

A Greenpeace photographer caught these shots of a Minuteman II missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base - part of the US government's failed Star Wars test on 7 July. The missile flew almost directly over the ship which was in a safety zone to call for an end to the ill-conceived program. At least 9 Greenpeace activists have been detained in protests at Vandenberg and in the Marshall Islands.

July 7 21:30 PST - Here's a note from the M/V Arctic Sunrise...

At 21:15, we watched from the bridge as a bright orange light rose up into the sky and followed a path that seemed to aim directly for us. As it appeared overhead, it formed the shape of an arrow -- an enormous white triangle trailed by an eerie line glowing green. The trail seemed to go on for miles. We could see halos of bright white light drop down from the tip as it dumped its various pieces into the Pacific Ocean. It was, without a doubt, one of the most depressing experiences we've all had in a long time. We were not able to stop the test. We can only hope that Clinton comes to his senses and stops Star Wars -- and Greenpeace's fight is far from over.

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