Routine Unarmed Minuteman III ICBM Operational Test Launch GT 256 Scheduled at Vandenberg Space Force Base

This launch, designated GT 256, was scheduled years ago and is not in response to world events. Continued tests maintain confidence in the 400-missile fleet at the three wings.

CALIFORNIA — An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is scheduled between 12:01 and 6:01 a.m. Pacific Time on May 20 from the northern portion of Vandenberg Space Force Base.

File photo: Previous unarmed Minuteman III ICBM test

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This launch, designated GT 256, was scheduled years ago and is not in response to world events. The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to confirm the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to the May 18 announcement from Air Force Global Strike Command and Space Launch Delta 30.

Launch Schedule Details