The new work week could see a pair of launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The military has confirmed plans to conduct a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III missile during a six-hour window early this week.

The three-stage weapon will pop out of an underground silo on North Base between 11:01 p.m. Tuesday and 5:01 a.m. Wednesday. For test launches, the missile typically flies to a predetermined target about 4,200 miles away in the central Pacific Ocean.

“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.

The Air Force routinely conducts multiple Minuteman III missile tests, equipped with mock warheads, annually from Vandenberg and schedules them in advance. Preparations for a test launch typically begin months beforehand. 

“Consistent with previous test launches, this ICBM test launch will validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system,” the military said.

As standard procedure, the United States has transmitted a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and alerted the Russian government in advance. 

Vandenberg conducted a pair of Minuteman test launches in early June.

The nation has roughly 400 Minuteman missiles on alert around F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and Minot AFB, North Dakota.

The week could see another SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch. 

Notices have been issued advising pilots of a Starlink mission from South Base early Tuesday, but were later revised for a date after the missile test.

However, neither SpaceX nor Space Force have confirmed when the mission will occur this week.

Launch delays occur routinely for a number of reasons including due to unfavorable weather, technical troubles or the team falling behind in completing chores.