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Minuteman III test launch terminated due to anomaly

7/28/2011 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Air Force controllers conducted a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile test launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., which they safely terminated in flight over the Pacific Ocean early July 28.

The missile test launch program helps evaluate the Minuteman III system and gather data to keep systems safe, reliable and effective, said Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command.

All test launches provide valuable information to Headquarters Air Force, Air Force Global Strike Command, U.S. Strategic Command and the Department of Energy to manage the platform's life-cycle.

"We learn from every test launch, whether it is a successful launch or, in this case, where an anomaly occurred," Kowalski said.

A successful launch is when the vehicle leaves the launch pad and achieves all phases of powered flight. Controllers observed an anomaly during the last portion of the mission, prompting them to terminate the test early for safety reasons. An anomaly is any unexpected event during the test. 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.

A launch analysis group has been formed to investigate. The LAG will include members from the 576th Flight Test Squadron, 30th Space Wing safety office, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and Northrop Grumman, among other organizations.

The current Minuteman III configuration has a reliable test and evaluation track record, with 22 of 24 fully successful flight tests. The last test to be terminated by mission controllers occurred in 1998.

The Minuteman III weapon system is extremely reliable with an exceptional safety record, according to command officials.

The 576th FLTS, at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is responsible for planning, preparing, conducting and assessing ICBM ground and flight tests.

(Courtesy of the Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command.)