The U.S. Air Force will test launch an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile Wednesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base – the second test in a week. The 576th Flight Test Squadron will be responsible for collecting data of the missile and ensuring safety, the Air Force said. Vandenberg Air Force Base and the 576th Flight Test Squadron have been preparing for the operational test launch for the last 10 months, Col. Chris Moss, Vandenberg’s 30th Space Wing commander, said in a statement. Air Force officials said the test launch was an operational test to show the country’s nuclear deterrent capability. veronica.rocha@latimes.comTwitter: VeronicaRochaLAALSOAir Force launches test missile off Central California coast to show nuclear deterrent capabilityUnited Launch Alliance to lay off 48 people at Vandenberg Air Force BaseSpaceX wins $96.5-million contract to launch Air Force satellite

Source: Los Angeles Times May 02, 2017 16:55 UTC