[Launch Alert] Falcon 9 Launched / Minuteman III Launch Scheduled

[Launch Alert]

FALCON 9 LAUNCHED

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 26 Starlink satellites was launched this morning (May 16) from Vandenberg SFB, Calif.

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UNARMED MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH TO SHOWCASE READINESS OF U.S. NUCLEAR FORCE'S SAFE, EFFECTIVE DETERRENT
May 16, 2025
Space Launch Delta 30

Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. -- An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled between 12:01 to 5:01 a.m. Pacific Time, May 21, 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.