Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and the Air Force’s 30th Space Wing are scheduled on Wednesday morning to launch an unarmed Minuteman III from northern Vandenberg AFB, Calif., between 6:01 a.m. and 12:01 p.m. EDT, according to an AFGSC press release.

“The upcoming Minuteman III launch is the culmination of a tremendous effort by both the 30th Space Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command,” said Col. Christopher Moss, 30th Space Wing Commander and launch decision authority. “The teamwork between the two organizations is simply fantastic–and it is the cornerstone of continued success for Minuteman test launches from Vandenberg AFB.”

A trail from a recent Minuteman III test launch from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Photo: Air Force.
A trail from a recent Minuteman III test launch from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Photo: Air Force.

The Air Force conducts ICBM test launches to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to AFGSC.