GT-189 - Minuteman ICBM Test Launch

[Rentaroo]

For anyone who may be interested....early tomorrow morning (14 Sep, 0101-0701 window) will be the final Minuteman III ICBM Force Development Evaluation (FDE) test launch for 2005.

The Minuteman will deliver an unarmed reentry vehicle (warhead) just over 4,000 miles to a predetermined target in the Kwajalein Atoll. The FDE program is designed to verify and validate the Minuteman weapon system's ability to perform as designed. Data collected from the test launches is also used to improve the weapon system's safety, security, accuracy, reliabililty and sustainability.

If you live along the Central CA coast area (between San Luis Obispo and LA) you may be able to see the Minuteman as it heads west over the Pacific.

I have great interest in the test launch because, well, that's my job.....

...Hey, I just made "student pilot"....Yipeee.

 

[Jetmaker737]

That's the coolest! Maybe you could overshoot kwajalein and hit Pyongyang?...Just kidding!

 

[BobbyBlue]

Hey Louis, as a major fan of rocketry, Dr's Goddard, Von Braun, and Korolev are personal heroes, and as an engineer myself, I am in awe of you steeley eyed missile men. I wish your test many happy landings ! I must admit though that it does bum me out to think what a waste both the fantastic power and thrust of that kick-*** engine and the awesome power of the atom are intended to do...it seems to me to be such a waste of what could be some of the most powerful discoveries made by man. I Do envy the folks that get to witness the launch however !

Bobby

 

[Rentaroo]

It was a beautiful night....with a successful test....I'm a happy camper.