Vandenberg Air Force Base announces missile test date in August

Vandenberg Air Force Base released the following information Friday afternoon:

An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled for first thing Wednesday morning.

The launch window opens August 2 nd between 12:01 a.m. and runs until 6:01 a.m. PDT from north 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. Michael Hough, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.

“Team V is postured to work with Air Force Global Strike Command to test launch the Minuteman III missile,” said Hough.

“Our long history in partnering with the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron shows that the Western Range stands ready and able to create a safe launch environment.”

The 576th Flight Test Squadron will be responsible for installed tracking, telemetry, and command destruct systems on the missile.