-
#200 by Olaf on 12 Dec, 2019 13:42
-
#201 by edkyle99 on 12 Dec, 2019 16:26
-
Noozhawk's Janene Scully suggests it might me a new Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile test, based on a Defense News report. (A shame we're back to that.)
https://www.noozhawk.com/article/vandenberg_afb_may_conduct_test_of_new_missile_this_week
https://www.defensenews.com/space/2019/11/13/is-the-us-about-to-test-a-new-ballistic-missile/
- Ed Kyle -
#202 by Ken the Bin on 12 Dec, 2019 19:36
-
Vandenberg AFB supports missile flight testQuote from: 30th SW Public Affairs
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
A flight test of a prototype conventionally-configured ground-launched ballistic missile occurred at Vandenberg AFB on Dec. 12 at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time.
The 30th Space Wing provided extensive and efficient range support to the test conducted by the Strategic Capabilities Office, part of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The Wing facilitated the successful launch, which made possible the collection of data that will inform the Defense Department's development of future capabilities. The joint government-industry team began work after the U.S. suspended its Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty obligations in February 2019 and executed the launch within nine months of contract award when the process typically takes 24 months.
"The Western Range plays an integral role in testing new capabilities with our mission partners by providing the infrastructure, personnel and range assets needed to carry out efficient missile testing from conception to evaluation," said Col. Anthony Mastalir, 30th Space Wing commander. "The National Defense Strategy provides very clear direction to restore our competitive edge in the reemergence of great power competition, and we owe it to our nation to rapidly evolve and develop our capacity to defend. Our Airmen should be extremely proud of their contributions to their country today."
Today's test marked the second of a prototype conventionally-configured ground-launched missile system since the U.S. withdrew from the INF Treaty in August. On Aug. 18, 2019, SCO, in conjunction with the U.S. Navy, successfully demonstrated a prototype ground-launched cruise missile during a test at San Nicolas Island, California.
"The men and women of Vandenberg work diligently to execute launches efficiently, and we remain committed to providing robust support to our mission partners," said Col. Bob Reeves, 30th Space Wing vice commander and launch decision authority for the test. "Overseeing today's launch operations in the Western Range Operations Control Center reminded me of just how remarkable our Airmen and partnerships are. To every member of Team V that had a hand in ensuring this launch ran smoothly, from planning to execution, I am honored to have worked alongside every single one of you."
For information about the test, please reach out to Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs at (703) 697-5131 or [email protected].
For information about range operations, please reach out to 30th Space Wing Public Affairs at (805) 606-3595 or [email protected].
-
#203 by edkyle99 on 12 Dec, 2019 21:29
-
Well now! What could this be? Are we looking at an SM-3 Block 2A variant? Something bigger? And from VAFB "Test Pad 01". Never heard of that before.
https://www.edhat.com/news/unannounced-test-missile-launched-thursday-morning
- Ed Kyle
-
#204 by edkyle99 on 13 Dec, 2019 12:52
-
Something very bigger. Probably something in the Orion 50S lineage and, based on the range, I'm expecting at least a 1,000 lb payload. Also, note the fins up front. This thing has (or at least is supposed to have) a maneuvering RV and probably radar terminal guidance in the mold of Pershing II. I doubt this is even really a "prototype" so much as it is a proof-of-concept design.
Could be. Janene Scully says that Northrop Grumman "was the primary launch services contractor for the mission".
https://www.noozhawk.com/article/defense_department_conducts_test_of_prototype_missile_from_vandenberg_afb
Rather than Orion 50S, could it be a GEM of some type? Here's a comparison with OBV and GEM-63XL and GEM-40, with diameters roughly equalized. OBV is 50 inches diameter, GEM-63 is 63 inches diameter, GEM-40 is 40 inches diameter.
- Ed Kyle
-
#205 by RLA on 13 Dec, 2019 20:02
-
Well now! What could this be? Are we looking at an SM-3 Block 2A variant? Something bigger? And from VAFB "Test Pad 01". Never heard of that before.
https://www.edhat.com/news/unannounced-test-missile-launched-thursday-morning
- Ed Kyle
Well "Test pad 01" is TP-01, when you scrolling on Wikipedia it provide this coordinates for that pad: (34.804167,-120.588889), it was used previous for Peacekeeper and Midgetman launches.
The biggest thing what still holds my doubt is those those lighting towers and that building nearby the missile, but given this pad wasn't used for years I don't expect there would be much pictures nor videos about TP-01 and satellite pictures are not 100 helpful.
It's indeed a hard job to figure out what for solid rocket type was used, it would be serious helpful if someone could having a measurement based on those pictures. Then we can search what for solid rocket they used. -
#206 by russianhalo117 on 13 Dec, 2019 20:57
-
They have redesignated a few pads/silos over the last few years.Well now! What could this be? Are we looking at an SM-3 Block 2A variant? Something bigger? And from VAFB "Test Pad 01". Never heard of that before.
https://www.edhat.com/news/unannounced-test-missile-launched-thursday-morning
- Ed Kyle
Well "Test pad 01" is TP-01, when you scrolling on Wikipedia it provide this coordinates for that pad: (34.804167,-120.588889), it was used previous for Peacekeeper and Midgetman launches.
The biggest thing what still holds my doubt is those those lighting towers and that building nearby the missile, but given this pad wasn't used for years I don't expect there would be much pictures nor videos about TP-01 and satellite pictures are not 100 helpful.
It's indeed a hard job to figure out what for solid rocket type was used, it would be serious helpful if someone could having a measurement based on those pictures. Then we can search what for solid rocket they used. -
#207 by russianhalo117 on 13 Dec, 2019 21:00
-
GEM-40 through 60 (standalone version still supported) are retired and still out of production. Note that similar products exist within the ASAS and Raven families which are only mentioned but not disclosed.Something very bigger. Probably something in the Orion 50S lineage and, based on the range, I'm expecting at least a 1,000 lb payload. Also, note the fins up front. This thing has (or at least is supposed to have) a maneuvering RV and probably radar terminal guidance in the mold of Pershing II. I doubt this is even really a "prototype" so much as it is a proof-of-concept design.
Could be. Janene Scully says that Northrop Grumman "was the primary launch services contractor for the mission".
https://www.noozhawk.com/article/defense_department_conducts_test_of_prototype_missile_from_vandenberg_afb
Rather than Orion 50S, could it be a GEM of some type? Here's a comparison with OBV and GEM-63XL and GEM-40, with diameters roughly equalized. OBV is 50 inches diameter, GEM-63 is 63 inches diameter, GEM-40 is 40 inches diameter.
- Ed Kyle -
#208 by russianhalo117 on 13 Dec, 2019 21:02
-
The LPS Towers are retractable and are attached to semi flatbed trailers.Well now! What could this be? Are we looking at an SM-3 Block 2A variant? Something bigger? And from VAFB "Test Pad 01". Never heard of that before.
https://www.edhat.com/news/unannounced-test-missile-launched-thursday-morning
- Ed Kyle
Well "Test pad 01" is TP-01, when you scrolling on Wikipedia it provide this coordinates for that pad: (34.804167,-120.588889), it was used previous for Peacekeeper and Midgetman launches.
The biggest thing what still holds my doubt is those those lighting towers and that building nearby the missile, but given this pad wasn't used for years I don't expect there would be much pictures nor videos about TP-01 and satellite pictures are not 100 helpful.
It's indeed a hard job to figure out what for solid rocket type was used, it would be serious helpful if someone could having a measurement based on those pictures. Then we can search what for solid rocket they used. -
#209 by edkyle99 on 15 Dec, 2019 02:55
-
JCM believes it to be a Castor 4B motor (40 inches diameter), perhaps something from the MDA target vehicle program. Similarities for sure. ~100Klbf thrust. 60 second burn time. Since Castor 4B likely no longer in production, he believes this to have been a demonstration rather than a real IRBM prototype.
GEM-40 through 60 (standalone version still supported) are retired and still out of production. Note that similar products exist within the ASAS and Raven families which are only mentioned but not disclosed.Something very bigger. Probably something in the Orion 50S lineage and, based on the range, I'm expecting at least a 1,000 lb payload. Also, note the fins up front. This thing has (or at least is supposed to have) a maneuvering RV and probably radar terminal guidance in the mold of Pershing II. I doubt this is even really a "prototype" so much as it is a proof-of-concept design.
Could be. Janene Scully says that Northrop Grumman "was the primary launch services contractor for the mission".
https://www.noozhawk.com/article/defense_department_conducts_test_of_prototype_missile_from_vandenberg_afb
Rather than Orion 50S, could it be a GEM of some type? Here's a comparison with OBV and GEM-63XL and GEM-40, with diameters roughly equalized. OBV is 50 inches diameter, GEM-63 is 63 inches diameter, GEM-40 is 40 inches diameter.
- Ed Kyle
- Ed Kyle
-
#210 by catdlr on 23 Dec, 2019 01:01
-
Launch Alert
4:58 PM Dec 22, 2019
LAUNCH ALERT
Brian Webb
[email protected]
www.spacearchive.info
2019 December 22 (Sunday) 16:41 PST
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE
All launch dates and times are subject to change.
Launch
Time/Window
Date (PST/PDT) Vehicle Pad/Silo
-------- ----------------- ------------- --------
FEB 18 Unknown Firefly Alpha SLC-2W
Firefly Alpha first flight
MAR Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 1
SEP Unknown Delta IV Heavy SLC-6
The vehicle will carry the classified NROL-82 payload into orbit for
the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
OCT Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 9
NOV Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the Sentinel 6A (Jason-CS) satellite
DEC Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 11
DEC Unknown Atlas V SLC-3
Vehicle will launch the Landsat 9 earth observation satellite
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 2019, 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 -
#211 by catdlr on 03 Jan, 2020 04:34
-
Launch Alert
7:19 PM 1/2/20
LAUNCH ALERT
Brian Webb
[email protected]
www.spacearchive.info
2020 January 2 (Thursday) 18:56 PST
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE
All launch dates and times are subject to change.
Launch
Time/Window
Date (PST/PDT) Vehicle Pad/Silo
-------- ----------------- ------------- --------
FEB 18? Unknown Firefly Alpha SLC-2W
Firefly Alpha first flight
MAR Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 1
SEP Unknown Delta IV Heavy SLC-6
The vehicle will carry the classified NROL-82 payload into orbit for
the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
OCT Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 9
NOV Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the Sentinel 6A (Jason-CS) satellite
DEC Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 11
DEC Unknown Atlas V SLC-3
Vehicle will launch the Landsat 9 earth observation satellite
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.
PDT: Pacific Daylight Time
PST: Pacific Standard Time
SLC: Space Launch Complex
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2020, 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
.
____________________________________________________________ -
#212 by catdlr on 16 Jan, 2020 03:43
-
LAUNCH ALERT
Brian Webb
[email protected]
www.spacearchive.info
2020 January 15 (Wednesday) 20:20 PST
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE
All launch dates and times are subject to change.
Launch
Time/Window
Date (PST/PDT) Vehicle Pad/Silo
----------- ----------------- ------------- --------
Early 2020? Unknown Firefly Alpha SLC-2W
Firefly Alpha first flight. Delayed from FEB 18
MAR Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 1
OCT-DEC Unknown Delta IV Heavy SLC-6
The vehicle will carry the classified NROL-82 payload into orbit for
the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
OCT Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 9
NOV Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the Sentinel 6A (Jason-CS) sea level measuring
satellite
DEC Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 11
DEC Unknown Atlas V SLC-3
Vehicle will launch the Landsat 9 earth observation satellite. Launch
may be delayed until 2021.
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.
PDT: Pacific Daylight Time
PST: Pacific Standard Time
SLC: Space Launch Complex
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2020, 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
. -
#213 by catdlr on 02 Feb, 2020 03:28
-
Launch Alert
3:52 PM Feb 1, 2020
LAUNCH ALERT
Brian Webb
[email protected]
www.spacearchive.info
2020 February 1 (Saturday) 15:33 PST
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY MISSILE LAUNCH
by Brian Webb
Media sources report the Air Force Global Strike Command and U.S.
Space Force have scheduled a Minuteman III missile for launch from
Vandenberg AFB early next Wednesday. The unarmed ICBM is slated to
lift off from north base February 5 during a 00:08-06:08 PST launch
window.
Launch viewing will be hampered during most of the launch window by
the nearly full moon. During that time, the event should be easily
visible to the unaided eye for at least 50 miles. Observers with an
unobstructed horizon who know exactly where to look may see the launch
more than 100 miles away.
Between moonset and dawn, the launch should be visible over a much
wider area.
If liftoff occurs late in the window, some sky watchers may be treated
to an interesting display as the missile's exhaust is illuminated at
high altitude by the sun while suspended in a dark sky as seen from
the ground.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE
All launch dates and times are subject to change.
Launch
Time/Window
Date (PST/PDT) Vehicle Pad/Silo
-------- ----------------- ------------- --------
FEB 5 00:08-06:08 Minuteman III ---
ICBM test launch
APR? Unknown Firefly Alpha SLC-2W
Firefly Alpha first flight. Vehicle will carry multiple payloads into
orbit. Delayed from FEB 18
MAR Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 1
OCT-DEC Unknown Delta IV Heavy SLC-6
The vehicle will carry the classified NROL-82 payload into orbit for
the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
OCT Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 9
NOV Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the Sentinel 6A (Jason-CS) sea level measuring
satellite
DEC Unknown Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SmallSat Rideshare Mission 11
DEC Unknown Atlas V SLC-3
Vehicle will launch the Landsat 9 earth observation satellite. Launch
may be delayed until 2021.
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.
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TIME FORMAT
All times in this newsletter are given in Pacific Time using a 24-hour
format based on military time. Under this system, regular time is
expressed as follows:
24-hour
Regular Time Format
--------------------- -------
12:00 a.m. (midnight) 00:00
6:00 a.m. 06:00
12:00 p.m. (noon) 12:00
6:00 p.m. 18:00
No distinction is made between Pacific Standard Time and Pacific
Daylight Time.
For assistance in converting military time to regular time, go to:
www.spacearchive.info/military.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2020, 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
.
______________________________________________________________ -
#214 by catdlr on 02 Sep, 2020 02:05
-
Launch Alert
5:14 PM
Unarmed Minuteman III Test Launch Scheduled Will Validate Effectiveness, Readiness, Accuracy
30th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published September 01, 2020
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 Tuesday, Sept. 2, between 00:02 a.m. and 06:02 a.m. from north Vandenberg.
The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to verify the safety, security, effectiveness and readiness of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.
______________________________________________________________ -
#215 by spacebuddy20 on 11 Sep, 2020 14:20
-
Quote:
An Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test at 12:03 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time (Wednesday, September 2, 2020), at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. ICBM test launches demonstrate the U.S. nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective and ready to defend the United States and its allies. ICBMs provide the U.S. and its allies the necessary deterrent capability to maintain freedom to operate and navigate globally in accordance with international laws and norms. (Courtesy photo by Connor Riley)
Even got some decent pictures on the page.
https://www.vandenberg.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2333165/unarmed-minuteman-iii-test-launch-from-vandenberg/ -
#216 by Steven Pietrobon on 15 Sep, 2020 07:08
-
Photos and video.
-
#217 by catdlr on 28 Oct, 2020 01:06
-
#218 by catdlr on 29 Oct, 2020 02:24
-
#219 by Rocketdog2116 on 29 Oct, 2020 06:46
-
Saw it from LA about half way through stage 2 burn. Saw stage 3 ignite and it looked like a full duration burn.