A Delta II rocket successfully launched into orbit from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., April 28, carrying NASA’s Cloud Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder and Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) and CloudSat satellites. The launch marked the third this month for Vandenberg’s 30 Space Wing. The two satellites are to provide next generation climate change observation capabilities, including advanced study of clouds and aerosols.
The Air Force conducted its first test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in 2026 on March 3, launching an unarmed missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., equipped with two test reentry vehicles at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time.