VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif -- A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Navy aircrew launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with multiple targetable re-entry vehicles from aboard the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) Nov. 5, 2024, at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEUNARMED MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH TO SHOWCASE READINESS OF U.S. NUCLEAR FORCE’S SAFE, EFFECTIVE DETERRENTVANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. – Feb. 12, 2025 - An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled between 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time on Feb. 18 to 5:01 a.m. Pacific Time, Feb. 19, from north Vandenberg.The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.This test is routine and was scheduled years in advance. Consistent with previous test launches, this ICBM test launch will validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.In accordance with standard procedures, the United States has transmitted a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and notified the Russian government in advance, per our existing bi-lateral obligations.For questions regarding the launch window or Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) range operations, contact SLD 30 Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 or [email protected].For queries regarding the ICBM test launch mission and missile, contact AFGSC Public Affairs at 318-456-1305 or [email protected].- 30 -
UNARMED MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH TO SHOWCASE READINESS OF U.S. NUCLEAR FORCE'S SAFE, EFFECTIVE DETERRENTPublished Feb. 12, 2025By Space Launch Delta 30 Public AffairsVandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. -- An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled between 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time on Feb. 18 to 5:01 a.m. Pacific Time, Feb. 19, from north Vandenberg.The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.This test is routine and was scheduled years in advance. Consistent with previous test launches, this ICBM test launch will validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.In accordance with standard procedures, the United States will transmit a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and notified the Russian government in advance, per our existing bi-lateral obligations.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH SHOWCASES READINESS OF U.S. NUCLEAR FORCE’S SAFE, EFFECTIVE DETERRENTVANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. – Feb. 19, 2025 – A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Vandenberg Space Force Base Guardians launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single telemetered joint test assembly re-entry vehicle Feb. 19 at 1:00 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base.The Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base serves as the primary testing ground for the Air Force Global Strike Command's ICBM deterrent architecture. This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities designed to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st-century threats and reassuring our allies.“Today’s Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of U.S. nuclear forces,” said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth. “It also provides confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission.”With over 300 similar tests conducted in the past, this particular test is part of the Nation’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent and is not a response to current world events."Facilitating test launches from the Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base is a critical component of our mission and the national defense strategy," said U.S. Space Force Col. Dorian Hatcher, deputy commander of Space Launch Delta 30, the host unit overseeing all Spaceport and Western Range operations at Vandenberg SFB. “Our Guardians and Airmen are dedicated to enabling Minuteman III tests to ensure a credible and effective deterrent for the nation.”The 377th Test and Evaluation Group, located at Vandenberg SFB, oversaw the test launch. It is the nation’s only dedicated ICBM test organization professionally executing tests that accurately measure the current and future capability of the ICBM force.“During this test, we collected and analyzed performance and other key data points to evaluate current missile system competencies,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, 377th TEG commander. “This allows our team to analyze and report accuracy and reliability for the current system while validating projected missile system improvements. The data we collect and analyze is crucial for maintaining Minuteman III while we pave the way for Sentinel.”Airmen from all three missile wings were selected for the task force to support the test launch, while maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Force Base, Wyoming, supported maintenance requirements. The missile bases within Air Fore Global Strike Command have crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation’s ICBM alert forces. 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.-30-For questions regarding the launch window or Vandenberg SFB range operations, contact Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 or [email protected].For queries regarding the ICBM test launch mission and missile, contact AFGSC Public Affairs at 318-456-1305 or [email protected].Non-Narrated Video: DVIDS - Video - MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH SHOWCASES READINESS OF U.S. NUCLEAR FORCE'S SAFE, EFFECTIVE DETERRENT NON-NARRATEDNarrated Video: DVIDS - Video - MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH SHOWCASES READINESS OF U.S. NUCLEAR FORCE'S SAFE, EFFECTIVE DETERRENT NARRATEDPhoto: DVIDS - Images - MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH SHOWCASES READINESS OF U.S. NUCLEAR FORCE’S SAFE, EFFECTIVE DETERRENT [Image 1 of 2]Photo: DVIDS - Images - MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH SHOWCASES READINESS OF U.S. NUCLEAR FORCE’S SAFE, EFFECTIVE DETERRENT [Image 2 of 2]
Not a notice, but a story indicating that a Minuteman 3 test launch is upcoming.https://www.montanarightnow.com/great-falls/mafb-airmen-prep-for-a-missile-test-launch-in-california/article_4ebba157-6446-4783-be10-fdb51a8cb4c6.html - Ed Kyle
Well it has been pushed way down to NET May 10 UTC by now:R0129/25 NOTAMN Q) SCIZ/QRDCA/IV/BO/W/000/999/4000S11000W715A) SCIZ B) 2505100147 C) 2505150625D) MAY 10-15 DLY BTN 0147-0625E) ZONE ...D... SECT WEST PACIFIC DUE TO RE-ENTRY SPACEXSTARLINK 15-3STAGE 2 REENTRY ACTIVITY. THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY GEO COORD:3000S / 12153W3000S / 12000W2843S / 12000W5909S / 09534W5958S / 09905W3000S / 12153WINSTRUCTIONS: SANTIAGO OCEANIC CONTROL 10024 KHZ FANS 1A EQUIPPEDACFT LOG ON SCEZF) SFC G) UNL
Quote from: edkyle99 on 04/19/2025 01:17 pmNot a notice, but a story indicating that a Minuteman 3 test launch is upcoming.https://www.montanarightnow.com/great-falls/mafb-airmen-prep-for-a-missile-test-launch-in-california/article_4ebba157-6446-4783-be10-fdb51a8cb4c6.html - Ed KyleStarlink 15-3 is delayed from a May 4 launch to a May 10 launch. Might the cause be a Vandenberg Minuteman III launch? Or a Minotaur IV launch? Or Western Range maintenance? (cross-posted)Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 05/04/2025 03:06 pmWell it has been pushed way down to NET May 10 UTC by now:R0129/25 NOTAMN Q) SCIZ/QRDCA/IV/BO/W/000/999/4000S11000W715A) SCIZ B) 2505100147 C) 2505150625D) MAY 10-15 DLY BTN 0147-0625E) ZONE ...D... SECT WEST PACIFIC DUE TO RE-ENTRY SPACEXSTARLINK 15-3STAGE 2 REENTRY ACTIVITY. THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY GEO COORD:3000S / 12153W3000S / 12000W2843S / 12000W5909S / 09534W5958S / 09905W3000S / 12153WINSTRUCTIONS: SANTIAGO OCEANIC CONTROL 10024 KHZ FANS 1A EQUIPPEDACFT LOG ON SCEZF) SFC G) UNL
A missile test performed at Vandenburg Space Force Base, California last month was the first test of an extended range variant of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) looking to hit targets beyond the 499+ kilometer threshold of the baseline missile variant....PrSM recently completed a Production Qualification Test (PQT) Series, opening the door for the missile’s final phase of development. Initial Operational Testing and Evaluation (IOT&E) is expected in May 2025, with a Full Rate Production (FRP) decision later this year.
