US test-launches an unarmed intercontinental missile from California
An unarmed Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missile launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The US Air Force test-launched a Minuteman III missile on Sunday morning September 22, 2013.
The US Air Force launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile early Sunday morning as part of regularly scheduled tests of its nuclear arsenal.
The unarmed Minuteman III missile launched out of an underground silo at Vandenberg Air Force base in California at 3:01am on Sunday morning.
The missile's intended target is 4,2000 miles across the Pacific Ocean in a predetermined spot in the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
"The test launch is the culmination of months of hard work and preparation." said Col. Lance Kawane, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander.
"The invaluable data we collect helps us to validate the functionality and performance of system components."
The Air Force said the point of the test is to ensure the country maintains a "strong, credible nuclear deterrent", which is a key element of US national security.
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Several launches are conducted out of Vandenberg Air Force base each year to test the capabilities of the American fleet of intercontinental missiles.
In April, the US delayed a planned test launch of the Minuteman III because of rising tensions with North Korea.
The test launch had nothing to do with North Korea but the defense department decided to postpone the launch to avoid any "misperceptions" about the US military's motives.
The Air Force said its next test is scheduled for Thursday.
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