Edhat Staff
U.S. to Conduct Unarmed Minuteman III ICBM Test to Assert Nuclear Readiness, SpaceX Plans Another Starlink Mission
The United States Air Force Global Strike Command is gearing up for a significant demonstration of the nation’s nuclear force’s operational readiness with an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) set to launch from north Vandenberg.
Slated for a launch window between 11:01 p.m. on November 5 and 5:01 a.m. on November 6, this operational test launch aims to reaffirm the safety, effectivity, and deterrence capabilities of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. [Update: as of Thursday this launch has been rescheduled for Friday, November 8th with the window opening at 10:14 p.m.]
This exercise, described as a routine yet critical part of the United States’ strategy to ensure its nuclear forces remain reliable and credible, has been years in the making. According to authorities from the Air Force Global Strike Command, the test’s primary objective is to validate the operational readiness of U.S. nuclear forces, instilling confidence in their lethality and the effectiveness of the country’s nuclear deterrence posture.
The Minuteman III test launch seeks to validate and verify the weapon system’s effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy through comprehensive evaluation processes.
Highlighting the importance of transparency and adherence to international norms, the United States has fulfilled its diplomatic obligations by issuing a pre-launch notification in line with the Hague Code of Conduct. Additionally, in a gesture of openness and in compliance with bi-lateral agreements, the Russian government was informed about the impending test in advance, underscoring the United States’ commitment to strategic stability and responsible nuclear stewardship.
In a parallel development underscoring the bustling activity at Vandenberg Space Force Base, SpaceX has announced plans for a launch of its Falcon 9 rocket, tentatively scheduled for November 6 or 7.
This launch, part of a broader mission to deploy another batch of Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit, represents a dramatic showcase of the burgeoning capabilities and aspirations of U.S. space endeavors. Following the liftoff, SpaceX aims to achieve another milestone with the anticipated landing of the first stage booster on the droneship ‘Of Course I Still Love You,’ stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
This juxtaposition of a strategic military test with a commercial space launch encapsulates the multifaceted nature of activities at Vandenberg, spotlighting the United States’ prowess and versatility in both defense and space exploration fronts.
