A pair of test launches for the Minuteman III weapon system will take place this week at Vandenberg Space Force Base. 

The first unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile test is aiming for 12:01 a.m. to 6:01 a.m. Tuesday from an underground silo on North Base. 

Two days later, the second test is planned between 12:01 a.m. to 6:01 a.m. Thursday from another underground silo on North Base. 

ICBM tests target departure at the opening of the six-hour window, but technical troubles or unfavorable weather at Vandenberg or down range can cause delays.

“Vandenberg Guardians and Airmen are committed to supporting our mission partners and these vitally important test launches from the Western Range,” said Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. “Test launches like these are critical in safeguarding the defense of our nation.”

For test launches, Minuteman missiles carry mock warheads equipped with sensors to collect assorted data about the weapon’s flight.

Upon launch, the weapons typically travel to predetermined targets at the Reagan Test Site in the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, roughly 4,200 miles away from Vandenberg as the military tracks the flight.

The military says the tests “will validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.”

A scheduling issue led to the tests taking place within days of each other. 

“A previous test launch slated for February 2024 had to be postponed due to some needed repairs at Reagan Test Site,” said Col. Chris Cruise, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander. 

“This summer’s test launch was already scheduled so it made sense to do them both while all the necessary personnel were in place. The launches were scheduled well in advance and have nothing to do with world events,” Cruise added. 

Per standard procedure and the Hague Code of Conduct, the United States notified the Russian government in advance as required by existing bi-lateral treaty obligations.

Air Force Global Strike Command oversees approximately 400 Minuteman III missiles sitting on alerts in and around F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming; Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and Minot AFB, North Dakota. 

The military conducts approximately three Minuteman tests each year from 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,” military officials said.