Author Topic: Vandenberg Space Force Base - Missile Test notices  (Read 139970 times)

Online catdlr

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The following is a news release from Vandenberg AFB:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, www.vandenberg.af.mil

MISSILE DEFENSE TEST SCHEDULED

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - A U.S. Missile Defense Agency flight
test of a Ground-based Interceptor is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 28,
between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. PST from Vandenberg Air Force
Base. The test will be conducted by the 30th Space Wing, the Missile Defense
Agency, and U.S. Northern Command.

Col. Shane Clark, 30th Space Wing vice commander, is the Launch Decision
Authority.

"The 30th Space Wing has a long and proud history of working diligently
alongside our Missile Defense Agency partners to provide safe launch
operations for missile defense tests," said Clark. "It's an honor for the
wing to work with the Missile Defense Agency and other mission partners on
this test mission which is extremely important to our national security."
« Last Edit: 09/10/2021 09:13 pm by zubenelgenubi »
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Offline edkyle99

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #1 on: 01/27/2016 10:03 pm »
This test will not include an intercept.  Good story here.
http://www.noozhawk.com/article/missile_defense_test_thursday_wont_include_intercept_attempt

 - Ed Kyle

Offline Helodriver

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #2 on: 01/27/2016 11:48 pm »
This test will not include an intercept.  Good story here.
http://www.noozhawk.com/article/missile_defense_test_thursday_wont_include_intercept_attempt

 - Ed Kyle

The article says no intercept attempt but then goes on to say it will be facing targets.

"The three-stage interceptor will be used in a non-intercept flight test against an air-launched intermediate-range ballistic missile filled with countermeasures and decoys"

This is probably going to be a C-17 launched "extended Medium Range Ballistic Missile"  which has served as a target surrogate in prior tests.

I'll be out there on Vandenberg tomorrow, should be great weather for pictures.


Offline Helodriver

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #3 on: 01/28/2016 05:54 pm »
The wait begins...

Offline mvpel

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #4 on: 01/28/2016 09:18 pm »
Did you get some good shots? Looked like a beautiful day out there.
"Ugly programs are like ugly suspension bridges: they're much more liable to collapse than pretty ones, because the way humans (especially engineer-humans) perceive beauty is intimately related to our ability to process and understand complexity. A language that makes it hard to write elegant code makes it hard to write good code." - Eric S. Raymond

Offline Helodriver

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #5 on: 01/28/2016 10:56 pm »
The Orbital Sciences built Ground Based Missile Defense interceptor lifted off into blue crisp skies from Vandenberg's LF-23 shortly before 2PM local, the end of a 4 hour launch window.  I watched from the VIP area 4.1 miles away.

The vehicle, being an interceptor, was quick out of the silo, accelerating much faster than a space launch vehicle or an ICBM. First stage separation was visible (image 6), before the solid fuel exhaust plume faded away as the vehicle left the discernible atmosphere.

The first image (image 0) is LF-23 a converted Minuteman ICBM test silo now supporting the GMD program. This was from a nearby hill the day prior to the test.

The remaining images show ignition in the silo, liftoff, and the rapid acceleration skyward. The vehicle was out of sight in less than 1 minute.

Offline russianhalo117

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #6 on: 01/28/2016 10:56 pm »
Did you get some good shots? Looked like a beautiful day out there.
it did happen here is amatuer video:

Published on Jan 28, 2016
At appriximately 2:00 PM Pacific time, a Ground Based Interceptor missile test was conducted January 28, 2016 at Vandenberg Air Force Base.


Offline mvpel

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #7 on: 01/29/2016 02:39 am »
Nice shots, Helo! The video of first stage separation and its subsequent roasting by the second stage plume reminded me of the SpaceX video that showed the Falcon 9 first stage maneuvering out of the plume. (Of course, this booster wasn't maneuvering. :D )

Here's the MDA press release:

Ground-based Midcourse Defense System Conducts Successful Flight Test
Quote
16-NEWS-0002
January 28, 2016
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force 30th Space Wing, the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, and U.S. Northern Command, today conducted a non-intercept flight test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) element of the nation’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). A long-range ground-based interceptor was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., successfully evaluating performance of alternate divert thrusters for the system’s Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle.

During the test, a target representing an intermediate-range ballistic missile was air-launched from a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft over the broad ocean area west of Hawaii. An Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model 2 (AN/TPY-2) radar in Forward Based Mode, located at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii, detected the target and relayed target track information to the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communication system. The Sea-Based X-band radar, positioned in the broad ocean area northeast of Hawaii, also acquired and tracked the target. The GMD system received track data and developed a fire control solution to engage the target. The test also included a demonstration of technology to discriminate countermeasures carried by the target missile.

A three-stage Ground-Based Interceptor was launched from Vandenberg AFB, performed fly-out, and released a Capability Enhancement-II Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle. The kill vehicle performed scripted maneuvers to demonstrate performance of alternate divert thrusters. Upon entering terminal phase, the kill vehicle initiated a planned burn sequence to evaluate the alternate divert thrusters until fuel was exhausted, intentionally precluding an intercept.

Program officials will evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test. Engineering data from this test will be used to increase confidence for future GMD intercept missions. This test is designated Ground-based Midcourse Defense Controlled Test Vehicle-02+.

The GMD element of the integrated BMDS provides Combatant Commanders the capability to engage and destroy limited intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats in space to protect the United States.

Additional information about all elements of the Ballistic Missile Defense System can be found here.

MDA Media Contact:

Rick Lehner, 571-231-8212, [email protected]

Kudos to my colleagues!
« Last Edit: 01/29/2016 12:13 pm by mvpel »
"Ugly programs are like ugly suspension bridges: they're much more liable to collapse than pretty ones, because the way humans (especially engineer-humans) perceive beauty is intimately related to our ability to process and understand complexity. A language that makes it hard to write elegant code makes it hard to write good code." - Eric S. Raymond

Offline russianhalo117

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #8 on: 02/02/2016 05:59 pm »
Nice shots, Helo! The video of first stage separation and its subsequent roasting by the second stage plume reminded me of the SpaceX video that showed the Falcon 9 first stage maneuvering out of the plume. (Of course, this booster wasn't maneuvering. :D )

Here's the MDA press release:

Ground-based Midcourse Defense System Conducts Successful Flight Test
Quote
16-NEWS-0002
January 28, 2016
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force 30th Space Wing, the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, and U.S. Northern Command, today conducted a non-intercept flight test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) element of the nation’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). A long-range ground-based interceptor was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., successfully evaluating performance of alternate divert thrusters for the system’s Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle.

During the test, a target representing an intermediate-range ballistic missile was air-launched from a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft over the broad ocean area west of Hawaii. An Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model 2 (AN/TPY-2) radar in Forward Based Mode, located at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii, detected the target and relayed target track information to the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communication system. The Sea-Based X-band radar, positioned in the broad ocean area northeast of Hawaii, also acquired and tracked the target. The GMD system received track data and developed a fire control solution to engage the target. The test also included a demonstration of technology to discriminate countermeasures carried by the target missile.

A three-stage Ground-Based Interceptor was launched from Vandenberg AFB, performed fly-out, and released a Capability Enhancement-II Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle. The kill vehicle performed scripted maneuvers to demonstrate performance of alternate divert thrusters. Upon entering terminal phase, the kill vehicle initiated a planned burn sequence to evaluate the alternate divert thrusters until fuel was exhausted, intentionally precluding an intercept.

Program officials will evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test. Engineering data from this test will be used to increase confidence for future GMD intercept missions. This test is designated Ground-based Midcourse Defense Controlled Test Vehicle-02+.

The GMD element of the integrated BMDS provides Combatant Commanders the capability to engage and destroy limited intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats in space to protect the United States.

Additional information about all elements of the Ballistic Missile Defense System can be found here.

MDA Media Contact:

Rick Lehner, 571-231-8212, [email protected]

Kudos to my colleagues!
Aerojet Rocket Holdings Inc. (formerly called GenCorp) Presser:

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings
Jan 28, 2016

Aerojet Rocketdyne's EKV DACS Performs in Successful Missile Defense Flight Test

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), announced today that its liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) on the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) successfully performed its mission-critical role in the latest non-intercept flight test of the Missile Defense Agency's Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program.

The vital GMD program currently is the United States' primary defense against long-range ballistic missile attacks. During today's test, designated CTV-02+, a Boeing-developed interceptor, carrying the Raytheon-built EKV, was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, following the launch of an air-launched target missile from a C-17 over the Pacific Ocean west of Hawaii.

CTV-02+ was the maiden flight of an EKV that had several modifications designed to improve reliability and producibility, and to enhance the performance capabilities of the EKV. "On this flight, we validated key design improvements in the divert and attitude control system, demonstrating improved performance, reliability and producibility," said Michael Bright, Aerojet Rocketdyne vice president of Missile Defense and Strategic Systems. "The overall goal of the Missile Defense Agency is to make a more capable and reliable system, and this successful test demonstrated significant progress toward reaching that goal."

The design, development and qualification of these design improvements were performed at Aerojet Rocketdyne's Los Angeles site. Matt Widman, the thruster program manager, added, "This successful flight represented three years of hard work and dedication by our entire team. We are very proud of this accomplishment and look forward to many years of production of this advanced propulsion system."

Aerojet Rocketdyne is an innovative company delivering solutions that create value for its customers in the aerospace and defense markets. The company is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, tactical systems and armaments areas, in support of domestic and international markets. Additional information about Aerojet Rocketdyne can be obtained by visiting our websites at www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com.

Glenn Mahone, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 202-302-9941

[email protected]

Lynn Machon, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 916-355-3587

[email protected]
Primary Logo

Source: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc.
News Provided by Acquire Media
« Last Edit: 02/02/2016 06:00 pm by russianhalo117 »

Offline Jdeshetler

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #9 on: 02/02/2016 06:53 pm »
Here it is, taken from Vandenberg Air Force Tracking Station, 5.5 miles away with thank to HeloDriver for keeping me in the loops. This is my first attempt after no luck with Jason-3 due to heavy fog.



Shot with 2000mm len - 4K/30fps, 400mm len - 1080P/30fps and of course, iPhone 6S standard len - 4K/30fps.

My 2000mm telescope was in storage for 38 years so I have decided to add 2 video cameras to capture the SpaceX's when the time comes at Vandenberg.
 
The launch video & audio was inserted from Missile Defense Agency's archived video.

Cheers,
Jay
« Last Edit: 02/02/2016 07:22 pm by Jdeshetler »

Offline jcm

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #10 on: 02/03/2016 08:30 pm »
Accurate interceptor launch time 1.57pm PST:

http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123467850

1/28/2016 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A Ground-Based Interceptor, an element of the nation's Ground-based Midcourse Defense system, was launched as part of a non intercept test from North Vandenberg today, Jan. 28, 2016, at 1:57 p.m. PST by the 30th Space Wing, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, and U.S. Northern Command.

Col. Shane Clark, 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the Launch Decision Authority.
       
"Both the 30th Space Wing and the Missile Defense Agency worked hard to get the team ready for this test" said Clark.  "Today's launch is testament to the professionalism of all involved and the close relationships we have with our missile defense partners."

Missile Defense Agency point of contact is Rick Lehner at [email protected] or (571) 231-8212.
-----------------------------

Jonathan McDowell
http://planet4589.org

Offline Chris Bergin

Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #11 on: 02/18/2016 07:20 pm »
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, www.vandenberg.af.mil

MINUTEMAN III LAUNCH SCHEDULED

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - - An operational test launch of an Air
Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic
missile is scheduled between 11:00 p.m. PST Saturday, Feb. 20 and 5:00 a.m.
PST Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, from north Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the
effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air
Force Global Strike Command.

Col. J. Christopher Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision
authority.

"This mission continues a long string of vital ICBM flight tests from
Vandenberg Air Force Base," said Moss. "The launch not only demonstrates the
capability of the Minuteman III weapon system, but also the tremendous
capabilities of Airmen who maintain and operate it. The men and women of the
30th Space Wing are proud to partner with the Air Force Global Strike
Command team to conduct this important launch."

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron,
includes aircrew members from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron,
Offutt AFB, Nebraska, and crew members and maintainers from the 91st Missile
Wing, Minot AFB, North Dakota.

The 576th FLTS is responsible for installed tracking, telemetry and command
destruct systems on the missile, which collect data and ensure safety
requirements, are met.

For information call Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs at (318)
456-1305 or after hours at (318) 532-1215.

- 30 -

Note To Editors:
Media interested in viewing the launch should RSVP to TSgt Tyrona Lawson at
606-4017 or [email protected] by 3:00 p.m. Friday. An escort will
depart the Visitor Control Center at the Main Gate of Vandenberg for the
viewing site at 9:45 p.m. Saturday. Any names not on the RSVP list will not
be allowed on base.

Contact information for 30th Space Wing Public Affairs

Commercial: (805) 606-3595
FAX: (805) 606-4571
DSN: (312) 276-3595

30 Space Wing Public Affairs
867 Washington Ave, Bldg. 12000
Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437
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Offline input~2

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #12 on: 02/19/2016 05:18 pm »
!CARF 02/111 (KZAK A0800/16)  ZAK AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1604 PART A STATIONARY ALTITUDE RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 3419N12435W TO 3442N12438W TO 3457N12157W TO 3435N12154W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WITHIN AN AREA DEFINED AS 3241N13632W TO 3300N13637W TO 3309N13546W TO 3251N13541W TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL 1602210701-1602211334
!CARF 02/113 (KZAK A0801/16)  ZAK AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1604 PART B STATIONARY ALTITUDE RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 1658N17932E TO 1622N17613E TO 1419N17638E TO 1454N17955E TO 1658N17932E TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL 1602210701-1602211428

Offline Chris Bergin

Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #13 on: 02/19/2016 10:26 pm »
Space Command PAO has a sense of humor! ;D
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Offline input~2

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #14 on: 02/21/2016 08:52 am »
MINOT TESTS MINUTEMAN III MISSILE WITH LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG
http://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/2612/Article/670080/minot-tests-minuteman-iii-missile-with-launch-from-vandenberg.aspx

Additional NOTAMs were in force
!CARF 02/107 (KZAK A0798/16)  ZAK AIRSPACE DCC RTS AIROPS 365-1 STATIONARY ALTITUDE RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 0917N16723E TO 0923N16733E TO 0931N16729E TO 0935N16736E TO 0940N16733E TO 0957N16800E TO 1018N16839E TO 0939N16900E TO 0918N16821E TO 0906N16752E TO 0900N16734E TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 1430N17100E TO 1430N17400E TO 1130N17400E TO 1130N17100E TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL 1602210700-1602211401

A0807/16 -  DUE TO THE KWAJALEIN ATOLL RTS AIROPS 365-1 LAUNCH, IFR CLEARANCES TO AND FROM PKWA WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE DURING THE TIMES INDICATED. THE PRIMARY DATE IS THE 21ST FOLLOWED BY TWO BACKUP DATES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE OAKLAND CENTER MILITARY OPERATIONS SPECIALIST AT 510-745-3334. SFC - UNL, DAILY 0700-1401, 21 FEB 07:00 2016 UNTIL 23 FEB 14:01 2016. CREATED: 18 FEB 19:45 2016
« Last Edit: 02/21/2016 08:54 am by input~2 »

Offline marshal

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #15 on: 02/21/2016 08:58 am »
MINUTEMAN III LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG

 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 11:34 p.m. PST here Feb. 20, 2016.

Col. J. Christopher Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority.

"While ICBM launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base almost seem routine, each one requires a tremendous amount of effort and absolute attention to detail in order to ensure a safe and successful launch." said Moss. "This specific test will provide accuracy and reliability data that is essential to on-going and future modifications to the weapon system, which are key to improving the already impressive effectiveness of the Minuteman III force."

For information about the flight test, call Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs at (318) 456-1305 or after hours at (318) 532-1215.

https://www.facebook.com/30thSpaceWing/posts/10154728960094897

Offline marshal

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #16 on: 02/21/2016 11:54 am »
MINOT TESTS MINUTEMAN III MISSILE WITH LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG

Published February 21, 2016

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --

A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, aboard the Airborne Launch Control System, launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle at 11:34 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Feb. 20, from Vandenberg AFB, California.

The ICBM's reentry vehicle, which contained a telemetry package used for operational testing, traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent. All MMIII test launches are supported by a team from the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg AFB.

"The flight test program demonstrates one part of the operational capability if the ICBM weapon system,” said Col. Craig Ramsey, 576th FLTS commander. “When coupled with the other facets of our test program, we get a complete picture of the weapon system's reliability. But perhaps most importantly, this visible message of national security serves to assure our partners and dissuade potential aggressors."

Minot AFB is one of three missile bases with crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation’s ICBM alert forces.

"It has been an amazing experience for the operations and maintenance members of Team Minot to partner with the professionals from the 576th FLTS, 30th SW and 625th STOS,” said Maj. Keith Schneider, 91st MW Task Force Director of Operations. “Everyone involved has worked hard and dedicated themselves to the mission.”

The ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational credibility of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States’ ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.

http://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/2612/Article/670080/minot-tests-minuteman-iii-missile-with-launch-from-vandenberg.aspx

Offline Steven Pietrobon

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #17 on: 02/22/2016 03:16 am »
Here's the video. I wish the press releases would give the name of the launch. This one is GT-217GM. Does anyone know what the W8424 number refers to?

« Last Edit: 02/22/2016 03:19 am by Steven Pietrobon »
Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design #1:  Engineering is done with numbers.  Analysis without numbers is only an opinion.

Offline anik

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #18 on: 02/22/2016 05:23 am »
Number of operation.

Offline edkyle99

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Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #19 on: 02/23/2016 02:13 pm »
The videos also identify the launch site (Launch Facility 09 in this case), information that also does not appear on the press releases.

That was the 6th Minuteman 3 launch within the past 12 months, after many years of only 2-3 annually.  I wonder why.

 - Ed Kyle

 

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