US conducts test launch of Minuteman III
The US Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile to check the readiness of American ground-based nuclear forces, according to a statement released by the command on Wednesday.
"This launch confirms the status and readiness of our intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as the ability of all elements of this system - from operators to the missile itself - to perform the assigned task," the statement says.
The launch took place on May 20 at 00:01 Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The command emphasized that the test was planned several years ago and is not related to current world events.
According to the Air Force, the launch was a comprehensive check of the missile and the personnel who service it. Engineers tracked the flight trajectory, engine operation, guidance systems, and the atmospheric reentry vehicle.
Commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron Lt. Col. Carrie Ray stated that the test allows checking the full operational profile of the Minuteman III and confirming the reliability of the system's activation.
The data obtained will be transferred to the US Department of War, the Department of Energy, and US Strategic Command for analysis of the missile's condition, its maintenance, and further service life.
Source: RIA Novosti
