Kwajalein, Coral atoll in Marshall Islands.
Kwajalein is a coral atoll in the western Marshall Islands comprising 97 islands and islets around a central lagoon. The main island of Kwajalein sits at the southern end of the atoll chain and hosts facilities spread across several kilometers of narrow coral land.
American forces captured the atoll in February 1944 during Operation Flintlock, an offensive against Japanese positions in the Pacific. After the war, the site developed into a base for missile testing and space tracking.
The name derives from Ri-ruk-jan-lae, meaning people between two areas in the Marshallese language. Local families inhabit smaller islands such as Ebeye, while the main island hosts military staff and contractors.
Visitors need written permission from American military authorities before arrival, as the area operates as a restricted zone. Flights from Honolulu or Majuro serve the atoll several times a week with limited seating.
The lagoon serves as a target area for intercontinental missiles launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Radar installations on several islands track objects in near-Earth space and re-entry vehicles during their final flight phase.
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