Newswise — With the U.S. military reporting a successful sea-based missile defense test off Hawaii, Dr. S.N. Balakrishnan, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla, can offer an expert insight into how ballistic missiles work.

Much of Balakrishnan's research revolves around improving the accuracy of the missile guidance system. His areas of expertise include:

"¢ Integrated guidance and control of missiles "¢ Boost phase missile defense, ballistic missile defense "¢ Computer modeling of missile guidance and control