An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 1 a.m. Wednesday, from Vandenberg Space Force Base. ICBM test launches demonstrate the readiness, reliability and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, ensuring national security in an era of strategic competition.
An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 1 a.m. Wednesday, from Vandenberg Space Force Base. ICBM test launches demonstrate the readiness, reliability and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, ensuring national security in an era of strategic competition. Credit: U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olga Houtsma

A Minuteman III missile, equipped with a mock warhead, loudly popped out of its underground silo at Vandenberg Space Force Base early Wednesday morning for a successful test launch of the weapon.

The three-stage missile’s test occurred at 1 a.m. when it launched from the North Base locale and traveled more than 4,000 miles to the planned target in the Kwajalein Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. The lone re-entry vehicle sported various sensors to collect data about the weapon’s performance.

“Today’s Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of U.S. nuclear forces,” said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth. “It also provides confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission.”

For more than six decades, Vandenberg has conducted similar tests a few times a year. The tests are scheduled years ahead of time with work starting months before the blastoff and are not a response to current world events. 

“Facilitating test launches from the Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base is a critical component of our mission and the national defense strategy,” said U.S. Space Force Col. Dorian Hatcher, deputy commander of Space Launch Delta 30, the primary unit at Vandenberg SFB.

The 377th Test and Evaluation Group, based at Vandenberg, oversaw the test launch with members installing test-unique equipment on the weapon.

“During this test, we collected and analyzed performance and other key data points to evaluate current missile system competencies,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, 377th TEG commander. 

“This allows our team to analyze and report accuracy and reliability for the current system while validating projected missile system improvements. The data we collect and analyze is crucial for maintaining Minuteman III while we pave the way for Sentinel.”

Missile maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, readied the weapon for the test. 

Airmen from all three missile wings — the others are at Malmstrom AFB, Montana and Minot AFB, North Dakota — made up the task force to support the test launch.

The Air Force has roughly 400 Minuteman weapons in the fleet.

The weapons have been standing on alert since the early 1970s, but have undergone several modernization efforts to extend the life of the program. 

A replacement intercontinental ballistic missile, Sentinel, remains in the development phase.

The Minuteman test launch is one of two liftoffs planned this week from Vandenberg.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to deliver more Starlink satellites into space possibly on Saturday afternoon. 

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.