It was set to release certain gases at a specific altitude to see if they could simulate the Lights. Because of the nature of the launch site (active air defense) and needs for the project, the missile was keep above ground for several hours prior to launch. They had two abortive attempts at launching; it seemed some of the electro-mechanical systems had frozen.
They ended up having to erect a tent structure over the missile and launcher and heat it up for several hours before they had a successful launch.
I am certainly no expert, but it would probably be quite unreliable to compare these two projects. Not only has 30 years lapsed since that time, but those missiles (I believe) were above ground missiles. The incredible advances in technology would suggest that we have now overcome obstacles, such as temperature concerns.