Current:Home > MarketsVideo and images show intercontinental ballistic missile test launched from California -Quantum Growth Learning
Video and images show intercontinental ballistic missile test launched from California
View
Date:2025-04-17 04:16:06
The United States launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California early Tuesday morning — the first of two test launches scheduled for this week. The Air Force Global Strike Command shared video and images of the missile, Minuteman III, as it rocketed up and left a burning trail of smoke and flames through the sky north of Santa Barbara.
The test at 12:56 a.m. PT was carried out by a joint team of airmen from the Air Force Global Strike Command, a branch of the U.S. Air Force responsible for nuclear deterrence, and was supported by Space Force guardians, the command said in an announcement. The announcement noted that the test launch program is designed "to validate and verify the safety, security, effectiveness, and readiness of the weapon system." The Minuteman III was launched with a reentry vehicle.
"This test launch marks the start of a remarkable week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches scheduled from the Western Range," said Col. Bryan Titus, vice commander of the Space Launch Delta 30 military unit, which manages space launch operations on the West Coast, in a statement. "These tests hold immense significance, not only for our nation's defense, but also serve as a pivotal moment in showcasing the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team."
An announcement by the public affairs team for Space Launch Delta 30 reiterated that it is routine to test launch unarmed intercontinental ballistic missiles like Minuteman III, a model that first became operational in the 1970s, according to the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. There are currently 400 Minuteman III missiles at various Air Force bases across the country, which the military wing describes as a strategic weapons system meant to serve as a "reliable and effective nuclear deterrent."
Similar tests have been carried out more than 300 times before, said Space Launch Delta 30, adding that they are "not the result of current world events" but instead intend "to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter 21st century threats and reassure our allies."
Normally, test flights for the Minuteman III out of Vandenberg end with the missile's reentry vehicle traveling more than 4,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean, from coastal California to Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. During another routine test launch last November, a Minuteman III missile launched from the same base was intentionally destroyed over the Pacific because of "an anomaly," the Air Force Global Strike Command said in a statement at the time.
"An anomaly is any unexpected event during the test," the command said in that statement. "Since anomalies may arise from many factors relating to the operational platform itself, or the test equipment, careful analysis is needed to identify the cause."
- In:
- Nuclear Weapons
- United States Space Force
- California
- United States Air Force
Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.
Twitter InstagramveryGood! (12)
Related
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- John Mulaney and Olivia Munn marry in a ceremony officiated by Sam Waterston
- The Innovative Integration of DBW Tokens and AI: Pioneering the Leap in 'AI Financial Navigator 4.0' Investment System
- The Aspark Owl Hypercar just destroyed the Rimac Nevera's top speed record. Is it the fastest EV ever?
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Average rate on a 30-year mortgage falls slightly, easing borrowing costs for home shoppers
- George Clooney urges Biden to drop out of the 2024 race: The dam has broken
- The Token Revolution of DB Wealth Institute: Launching DBW Token to Fund and Enhance 'AI Financial Navigator 4.0' Investment System
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Prosecutors seek restitution for families of 34 people killed in 2019 scuba boat fire in California
Ranking
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Is inflation still cooling? Thursday’s report on June prices will provide clues
- Louisiana lawmakers work to address ‘silent danger’ of thousands of dead and beetle-infested trees
- US, Canada and Finland look to build more icebreakers to counter Russia in the Arctic
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Olivia Munn's Newsroom Costar Sam Waterston Played This Special Role in Her Wedding to John Mulaney
- Scarlett Johansson says 'Poor Things' gave her hope for 'Fly Me to the Moon'
- Some smaller news outlets in swing states can’t afford election coverage. AP is helping them
Recommendation
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
U.S. men's soccer coach Gregg Berhalter fired after poor showing in Copa America
Hawaii governor wants more legal advice before filling Senate vacancy
Texas deputy fatally shot during search for suspect in assault on pizzeria clerk
Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
Stock market today: Asian shares zoom higher, with Nikkei over 42,000 after Wall St sets new records
All-Star rookie Shota Imanaga's historic first half helps Chicago Cubs battle the blahs
Sophia Bush Shares Insight Into “Priceless” Friendship With One Tree Hill Costar Hilarie Burton