"I am pleased that today's test of our ballistic missile defense system appears to have been a success. I will leave it up to the experts at the Missile Defense Agency to characterize the technical details of today's test. Successful tests such as these increase confidence in the approach to developing an initial missile defense capability. These tests provide knowledge and experience that will be used to improve our nation's capability.

"While today's test was a success, the test program is by no means complete. Tests will continue, some of which will be successful and some will not. This was a challenging test, and the tests will become even more challenging in the period ahead."