Thu, Jul 01, 2010
1,900th Launch From Vandenberg Since 1957
A scheduled Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile
test was launched at 0340 PDT June 30 from Launch Facility-04 at
Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County, CA.
The missile's single re-entry test vehicle traveled
approximately 4,200 miles before reaching its pre-determined target
near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. ICBM analysts,
including the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy,
will use the data collected to ensure the readiness and capability
of the ICBM fleet.
"These launches teach us a great deal and require a team
approach," said Col. Carl DeKemper, the 576th Flight Test Squadron
commander and mission director. "The launch was part of our
continuous self-assessment of the technical and weapons system
expertise of our Airmen and the powerful capability of the ICBM
fleet."
According to Vandenberg historic records, today also marked the
1,900th launch for Vandenberg AFB since the Air Force assumed the
mission in 1957. "This 1,900th launch marks another milestone in
the history of Vandenberg and the contribution Vandenberg has had
as not only contributing to the nation's security, but also a
continuing player in our nuclear deterrence role and overall space
and missile launch history of the United States," said Col. Steven
Winters, the 30th Space Wing vice commander and the Launch Decision
Authority for this mission.
The launch was a combined effort of the 576th FLTS and the 30th
Space Wing, both at Vandenberg, and the 341st Missile Wing,
Malmstrom AFB, MT.
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]