Launch Updates

May 22, 2013

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

An operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM is set to occur on Wednesday at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., following a one-day delay due to a range safety instrumentation issue, according to a release from Vandy’s 30th Space Wing. “Public safety is my first priority during all launch operations,” said Col. Brent McArthur, 30th SW vice commander, in explaining the reschedule. Meanwhile, the Air Force is geared to launch the fifth Wideband Global Satellite Communications spacecraft into orbit on May 23 from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., according to a separate release. A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket will carry the military communications satellite aloft.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Trending Stories

How New Religious Accommodation Rules for Beards Could Impact Airmen’s Careers

Here’s How the Pentagon Could Keep Paying Troops During the Shutdown

A New Kind of CCA? Meet the Supersonic, Vertical Takeoff and Landing X-BAT

Lawmakers Say Shutdown Has Delayed Secretive New JATM Missile

Related

Airman Charged in M18 Shooting Death Found Dead

Oct. 27, 2025
The Airman arrested in connection with the M18 pistol discharge that killed a fellow member of Air Force security forces on July 20 in Wyoming was found dead earlier this month, an Air Force spokesperson confirmed.

Jets Converge on Tyndall for Major Exercise, Despite Shutdown

Oct. 27, 2025
Dozens of fighter jets gathered at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida last week to kick off one of the service’s biggest air combat exercises despite the government shutdown. More than 50 aircraft and 500 personnel are participating in Checkered Flag 26-1.

Lawmakers Say Shutdown Has Delayed Secretive New JATM Missile

Oct. 25, 2025
Members of the House Armed Services Committee say the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile program has been set back three months due to the ongoing government shutdown. The comment is noteworthy because the JATM's status has been kept tightly under wraps.

OA-1K Skyraider Crashes in Oklahoma, Crew Uninjured

Oct. 24, 2025
An Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II crashed near Oklahoma City on Oct. 23, with a civilian contractor and Active-duty Airman escaping uninjured. The OA-1K was on a training mission when the crash occurred, less than 10 miles from the base.

How New Religious Accommodation Rules for Beards Could Impact Airmen’s Careers

Oct. 23, 2025
Airmen, Guardians, and other service members that wear beards for religious reasons will be deemed nondeployable as part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s sweeping crackdown on shaving waivers—a move that would essentially end their careers and one that several former Air Force officials say may go too far in trying…