[Launch Alert] Minuteman III Scheduled for Test Launch

[Launch Alert]

The following is a Vandenberg AFB news release. Please direct all questions or comments about this release to the originating organization.


MINUTEMAN III SCHEDULED FOR TEST LAUNCH
30th Space Wing Public Affairs
Published April 29, 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, 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.