The Air Forc
e successfully launched a Minuteman III ICBM yesterday from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in a routine test to ensure the continued reliability and accuracy of the Minuteman fleet. The missile, which lifted off at 1:01 a.m. local time, traveled about 4,220 nautical miles westward over the Pacific Ocean before its three mock warheads touched down on predetermined targets. The test mission saw the return of the test model under which maintenance personnel from an operational Minutemen wing—in this case, the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Mont.—worked with Vandenberg’s 30th Space Wing to conduct the launch and have the opportunity to perform in roles unique to testing. (Vandenberg report by 2nd Lt. Raymond Geoffroy)
The Space Force’s experimental satellite bound for geosynchronous orbit should help to mitigate some of the risks associated with the U.S.’s plans to improve space-based missile warning and tracking. The Wide Field of View Testbed satellite is one of two payloads scheduled to launch on a ULA Atlas 5 during…