Author Topic: Vandenberg Space Force Base - Missile Test notices  (Read 143388 times)

Online catdlr

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11172
  • Enthusiast since the Redstones
  • Marina del Rey, California, USA
  • Liked: 8799
  • Likes Given: 7820
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #60 on: 04/22/2017 06:55 pm »
The following is a news release from Vandenberg AFB:

MINUTEMAN III SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH
By 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
April 21, 2017

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled for Wednesday, April. 26, between 12:01 p.m. to 6:01 a.m. 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. John Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.

"Team V is once again ready to work with Air Force Global Strike Command to successfully launch another Minuteman III missile," said Moss. "These Minuteman launches are essential to verify the status of our national nuclear force and to demonstrate our national nuclear capabilities. We are proud of our long history in partnering with the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron to execute these missions for the nation."

The 576th Flight Test Squadron will be responsible for installed tracking, telemetry, and command destruct systems on the missile.

-----

MINUTEMAN LAUNCH VISIBILITY
by Brian Webb

Liftoff is probably scheduled for the start of the launch window and the Minuteman will likely head west from Vandenberg.

If the sky is clear, the launch should be easy to see in Santa Barbara County. Observers with unobstructed horizons, dark skies, and who know exactly where to look may be able to see the event from as far away as San Francisco, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Big Bear, and San Diego.

The launch should be visible to the unaided eye, but for the best view, use tripod-mounted binoculars, a spotting scope, or an astronomical telescope.
Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

Online catdlr

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11172
  • Enthusiast since the Redstones
  • Marina del Rey, California, USA
  • Liked: 8799
  • Likes Given: 7820
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #61 on: 04/23/2017 03:25 am »
CORRECTION FOR ABOVE POST:

The launch window for the April 26 Minuteman III launch from Vandenberg AFB is probably 12:01 a.m. to 6:01 a.m., not 12:01 p.m. to 6:01 a.m. as reported earlier.
Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

Offline nukie19

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 150
  • Liked: 990
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #62 on: 04/24/2017 03:05 pm »
FDE GT220GM, which was planned in October 2016, or GT222GM?

GT-220 was originally scheduled in October.

Offline anik

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7776
  • Liked: 955
  • Likes Given: 368
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #63 on: 04/24/2017 03:36 pm »
GT-220 was originally scheduled in October

I know, my question was - what mission will be on April 26 - GT220GM or GT222GM?

Offline nukie19

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 150
  • Liked: 990
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #64 on: 04/24/2017 03:40 pm »
GT-220 was originally scheduled in October

I know, my question was - what mission will be on April 26 - GT220GM or GT222GM?

Oops, sorry.  I thought you were asking which one was originally in October.  26 April is GT-220.

Offline anik

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7776
  • Liked: 955
  • Likes Given: 368
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #65 on: 04/24/2017 03:47 pm »
26 April is GT-220

If I understand correctly, this mission will be GT220GM-1, because it was delayed.

Offline nukie19

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 150
  • Liked: 990
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #66 on: 04/24/2017 03:49 pm »
26 April is GT-220

If I understand correctly, this mission will be GT220GM-1, because it was delayed.

I haven't seen anyone using that terminology for this mission.

Offline anik

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7776
  • Liked: 955
  • Likes Given: 368
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #67 on: 04/24/2017 03:58 pm »
I haven't seen anyone using that terminology for this mission

Okay, earlier if mission was delayed they have added -1, -2, etc to the name of mission.

Offline nukie19

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 150
  • Liked: 990
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #68 on: 04/24/2017 04:00 pm »
I haven't seen anyone using that terminology for this mission

Okay, earlier if mission was delayed they have added -1, -2, etc to the name of mission.

Yes, I've seen that in the past, but for whatever reason, GT-220 didn't get the -1 at the end of the name.  If I can get an answer as to why, I'll update back here.

Online catdlr

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11172
  • Enthusiast since the Redstones
  • Marina del Rey, California, USA
  • Liked: 8799
  • Likes Given: 7820
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #69 on: 04/26/2017 06:42 pm »
The following is a Vandenberg AFB news release. For questions or comments about this release, contact the originating organization.


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

MINUTEMAN III LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An unarmed Minuteman III
intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test
at 12:03 a.m., PDT, here April 26.

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

"Tonight's launch was an important demonstration of our nation's nuclear
deterrent capability," said Moss. "Test launches like this one are vital to
validating the effectiveness and readiness of our operational nuclear
systems, so it is critical that they are successful. The men and women of
the 30th Space Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command's 576th Flight Test
Squadron did a fantastic job working together to make tonight's launch
possible and successful."

The Minuteman system has been in service for 60 years. Through continuous
upgrades, including new production versions, improved targeting systems, and
enhanced accuracy, today's Minuteman system remains state-of-the art and is
capable of meeting all modern challenges.


An interesting video clip of this morning's Minuteman III launch from Vandenberg AFB has been posted at

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/521068/minuteman-iii-operational-test-launch

A still photo of the launch is posted at

http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1162963/minuteman-iii-launches-from-vandenberg/
__________________________________________________________________________________
« Last Edit: 04/26/2017 06:47 pm by catdlr »
Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

Offline edkyle99

  • Expert
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15391
    • Space Launch Report
  • Liked: 8566
  • Likes Given: 1356
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #70 on: 04/26/2017 09:26 pm »
GT-220GM appears to have been E-6B U.S. Strategic Command Airborne command post (Operation Looking Glass) controlled launch.

No mention of the MIRVs listed during the last Minuteman 3 launch.

 - Ed Kyle
« Last Edit: 04/26/2017 09:30 pm by edkyle99 »

Offline Steven Pietrobon

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 39215
  • Adelaide, Australia
    • Steven Pietrobon's Space Archive
  • Liked: 32735
  • Likes Given: 8178
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #71 on: 04/27/2017 05:42 am »
Launch video of GT-220GM.

« Last Edit: 04/27/2017 05:43 am by Steven Pietrobon »
Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design #1:  Engineering is done with numbers.  Analysis without numbers is only an opinion.

Offline Space Lizard

  • Member
  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 257
  • Liked: 7
  • Likes Given: 4
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #72 on: 04/27/2017 09:30 am »
Is this really the 300th Minuteman III launch or is my count wrong?
I watch rockets

Offline edkyle99

  • Expert
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15391
    • Space Launch Report
  • Liked: 8566
  • Likes Given: 1356
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #73 on: 04/27/2017 03:32 pm »
Is this really the 300th Minuteman III launch or is my count wrong?
That's what I have.  I had 298 as of the end of 2016.  There have now been two this year.

http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/mmsum.txt

 - Ed Kyle

Offline Skyrocket

  • Extreme Veteran
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2631
  • Frankfurt am Main, Germany
  • Liked: 940
  • Likes Given: 172
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #74 on: 04/27/2017 07:33 pm »
Is this really the 300th Minuteman III launch or is my count wrong?
That's what I have.  I had 298 as of the end of 2016.  There have now been two this year.

http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/mmsum.txt

 - Ed Kyle

My count is also at 300.
http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_fam/minuteman.htm
« Last Edit: 04/27/2017 07:35 pm by Skyrocket »

Offline nukie19

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 150
  • Liked: 990
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #75 on: 04/30/2017 02:05 am »
Next up...

MINUTEMAN III SCHEDULED FOR TEST LAUNCH

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, between 12:01 a.m. and 6:01 a.m. PDT from 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. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.

"We have been working closely with the 576th Flight Test Squadron over the past 10 months to prepare for this mission. Team Vandenberg is poised and ready to execute this important launch," said Moss. "The tremendous teamwork between the 30th Space Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command is apparent each time we launch a Minuteman III missile."

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

For questions regarding the launch window or Vandenberg AFB range operations, contact 30th Space Wing Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 or [email protected].

For queries regarding the ICBM test launch purpose and missile, contact AFGSC Public Affairs at 318-456-1305 (After Hours 318-532-1215) or [email protected].

Online catdlr

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11172
  • Enthusiast since the Redstones
  • Marina del Rey, California, USA
  • Liked: 8799
  • Likes Given: 7820
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #76 on: 05/02/2017 03:26 am »
LAUNCH ALERT

                              Brian Webb
                     Ventura County, California
                  [email protected]
                        www.spacearchive.info

                                     2017 May 1 (Monday) 17:40 PDT
----------------------------------------------------------------------

                   VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE

                     Launch
                   Time/Window
  Date              (PST/PDT)               Vehicle          Pad/Silo
--------        -----------------        -------------       --------

MAY 3           00:01-06:01              Minuteman III       ----
Test launch

JUN 29          13:02                    Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Payload is Iridium Next commercial communications satellites 11-20

JUL             To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Taiwan's Formosat 5 satellite

AUG 14          To be announced          Atlas V             SLC-3E
Vehicle will launch the classified NROL-42 payload for the U.S.
National Reconnaissance Office. The Atlas V will use four solid rocket
motors

AUG             To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Payload is Iridium Next commercial communications satellites 21-30

SEP 21          To be announced          Delta II            SLC-2W
Vehicle will launch the JPSS-1 weather satellite. The Delta II will
use nine solid rocket motors

SEP             To be announced          Minotaur C          SLC-576E
Vehicle will launch six SkySat earth observation satellites

OCT 18          To be announced          Delta IV            SLC-6
Vehicle will launch the NROL-47 payload for the U.S. National
Reconnaissance Office. The Delta IV will use two solid rocket motors

OCT             To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Payload is Iridium Next commercial communications satellites 31-40

The above schedule is a composite of unclassified information
approved for public release from government, industry, and other
sources. It represents the Editor's best effort to produce a schedule,
but may disagree with other sources. Details on military launches are
withheld until they are approved for public release. For official
information regarding Vandenberg AFB activities, go to
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil.

All launch dates and times are given in Pacific Time using a 24-hour
format similar to military time (midnight = 00:00, 1:00 p.m. = 13:00,
11:00 p.m. = 23:00, etc.).

The dates and times in this schedule may not agree with those on other
online launch schedules, including the official Vandenberg AFB
schedule because different sources were used, the information was
interpreted differently, and the schedules were updated at different
times.

NET: No earlier than

TBD: To be determined

PDT: Pacific Daylight Time

PST: Pacific Standard Time

SLC: Space Launch Complex

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                           SECURITY POLICY

Launch Alert does not intentionally publish sensitive, potentially
sensitive, or inside information. All information comes from open
sources or is approved for public release.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 2017, Brian Webb. All rights reserved. No portion of this
newsletter may be used without identifying Launch Alert as the
source and providing a functioning hyperlink or text that point to
http://www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm.
Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

Online catdlr

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11172
  • Enthusiast since the Redstones
  • Marina del Rey, California, USA
  • Liked: 8799
  • Likes Given: 7820
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #77 on: 05/03/2017 06:17 pm »
The following are two U.S. Air Force news releases about this morning's Minuteman III launch from Vandenberg AFB.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

MINUTEMAN III LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG
By 30th Space Wing, Public Affairs / Published May 03, 2017

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 12:02 a.m. PDT here Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

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

"It's always a privilege to partner with the tremendous professionals of Air Force Global Strike Command to conduct test launches like this one," said Moss. "The dedication and expertise of the combined 341st Missile Wing, 576th Flight Test Squadron and 30th Space Wing team is simply amazing. Their efforts over the past 10 months to make this mission possible shows why they are some of the most skilled operators in the Air Force."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

MALMSTROM TESTS MINUTEMAN III MISSILE WITH LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG
Air Force Global Strike Command / Published May 03, 2017

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single test reentry vehicle May 3 at 12:02 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time from Vandenberg Air Force Base, 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. These 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.

“The men and women from the 341st Missile Wing Task Force, the Airmen from my squadron, and our host unit here at Vandenberg worked tirelessly to pull this launch off — it was awesome to see everyone’s hard work pay off!” said Col. Craig Ramsey, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander. “It’s efforts like these that make nuclear deterrence effective.”

Malmstrom 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.

“I am exceedingly proud of the maintainers and operators from the 341st Missile Wing, including those that supported this mission from the onset. This Task Force worked flawlessly alongside the absolute professionals from the 576 FLTS to make this mission a success,” Lt. Col. Tony Rhoades, GT222 Task Force commander, said. “Promoting the deterrence, assurance and strike capability of the Minuteman III, along with the insight it provides to force readiness, could not be done without the dedication, professionalism and teamwork of the men and women throughout the 341st Missile Wing."

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 capability 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.
Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

Online catdlr

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11172
  • Enthusiast since the Redstones
  • Marina del Rey, California, USA
  • Liked: 8799
  • Likes Given: 7820
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #78 on: 05/03/2017 09:16 pm »
GT-222GM Minuteman III Launch

30th Space Wing, Vandenberg AFB

Published on May 3, 2017
Airmen from Malmstrom and Vandenberg Air Force bases conducted an operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III missile. The test launch used an intercontinental ballistic missile pulled randomly from a silo on Malmstrom Air Force Base, which was then transported and reassembled at Vandenberg, and launched by crew members from the 341st Missile Wing. The ICBM was equipped with a single test reentry vehicle and traveled approximately 4,200 miles to a test range near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. These ICBM test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.

the source of video:  https://www.dvidshub.net/video/522238/gt-222gm-minuteman-iii-launch



Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

Online catdlr

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11172
  • Enthusiast since the Redstones
  • Marina del Rey, California, USA
  • Liked: 8799
  • Likes Given: 7820
Re: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE - Missile Test notices
« Reply #79 on: 05/15/2017 11:41 pm »
LAUNCH ALERT

                              Brian Webb
                     Ventura County, California
                  [email protected]
                        www.spacearchive.info

                                    2017 May 15 (Monday) 13:48 PDT
----------------------------------------------------------------------

                   VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE

                     Launch
                   Time/Window
  Date              (PST/PDT)               Vehicle          Pad/Silo
--------        -----------------        -------------       --------

JUN 29          13:02                    Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Iridium Next commercial communications satellites
11-20. This early afternoon launch could be visible to the unaided
eye from Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties

JUL             To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Taiwan's Formosat 5 satellite

AUG 14          To be announced          Atlas V             SLC-3E
Vehicle will launch the classified NROL-42 payload for the U.S.
National Reconnaissance Office. The Atlas V will use four solid rocket
motors.

AUG             To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Iridium Next commercial communications satellites
21-30

SEP 21          02:47:03-02:48:06        Delta II            SLC-2W
Vehicle will launch the JPSS-1 weather satellite. The Delta II will
use nine solid rocket motors. This early morning launch could be
visually impressive in Santa Barbara County and visible for hundreds
of miles

SEP             To be announced          Minotaur C          SLC-576E
Vehicle will launch six SkySat earth observation satellites

OCT             To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Iridium Next commercial communications satellites
31-40

DEC             To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Iridium Next commercial communications satellites
41-50

DEC 20          To be announced          Delta IV            SLC-6
Vehicle will launch the NROL-47 payload for the U.S. National
Reconnaissance Office. The Delta IV will use two solid rocket motors

The above schedule is a composite of unclassified information
approved for public release from government, industry, and other
sources. It represents the Editor's best effort to produce a schedule,
but may disagree with other sources. Details on military launches are
withheld until they are approved for public release. For official
information regarding Vandenberg AFB activities, go to
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil.

All launch dates and times are given in Pacific Time using a 24-hour
format similar to military time (midnight = 00:00, 1:00 p.m. = 13:00,
11:00 p.m. = 23:00, etc.).

The dates and times in this schedule may not agree with those on other
online launch schedules, including the official Vandenberg AFB
schedule because different sources were used, the information was
interpreted differently, and the schedules were updated at different
times.

NET: No earlier than

TBD: To be determined

PDT: Pacific Daylight Time

PST: Pacific Standard Time

SLC: Space Launch Complex

----------------------------------------------------------------------


Copyright 2017, Brian Webb. All rights reserved. No portion of this
newsletter may be used without identifying Launch Alert as the
source and providing a functioning hyperlink or text that point to
http://www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm.
Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

 

Advertisement NovaTech
Advertisement Northrop Grumman
Advertisement
Advertisement Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Advertisement Brady Kenniston
Advertisement NextSpaceflight
Advertisement Nathan Barker Photography
1