Members of the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., recently conducted a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test to reinforce confidence in the Minuteman III ICBM fleet, according to a base release. The mid-September simulation, during which airmen did not actually launch any of Minot’s missiles, met all of its objectives, said base officials. During the SELM, the airmen progressed from the initial “on alert” transmission to the simulated ignition of the Minuteman’s first stage booster, states the late September release. The test was also designed to verify the procedures in the Minuteman launch control center so that missile launch officers are proficient in executing their mission. “Providing a safe and secure deterrent force is our mission,” said Col. Robert Vercher, 91st MW commander. “So naturally, we want to execute and train hard,” he said. (Minot report by 1st Lt. Jose R. Davis) (See also Simulated Minuteman Launch at F. E. Warren.)
The Space Force is looking for industry feedback on its plans to create a new “Mission Development Zone” at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., to support launch providers with space for additional payload processing capacity, test and assembly facilities, and potentially rocket and spacecraft manufacturing infrastructure.