Article Posted on : - Jul 01, 2010

The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test from from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo: USAF

VANDENBERG AFB (BNS): US Air Force has conducted a scheduled test-launch of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), from its Vandenberg Air Force Base at 10:40 a.m. (GMT), Wednesday.

According to USAF, the missile's single re-entry test vehicle traveled about 4, 200 miles before reaching its pre-determined target near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

The data collected from the test will be used by ICBM analysts and the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, to ensure the readiness and capability of the ICBM fleet.

"These launches teach us a great deal and require a team approach, the launch was part of our continuous self-assessment of the technical and weapons system expertise of our Airmen and the powerful capability of the ICBM fleet," Col. Carl DeKemper, the 576th Flight Test Squadron commander and mission director, said in an USAF official release.

The Wednesday launch of the ICBM is marked as the 1,900th launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, since 1957.

The launch was completed with the participation of 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana and the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg.