An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled to launch later tonight. The ICBM is scheduled to leave Vandenberg Space Force Base between 11:01 tonight and 5:01 tomorrow morning. According to a press release, the missile launch has been scheduled years in advance. it is meant to “demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.” The Russian government was notified ahead of the announcement.
