Below are links to previous Minuteman launches
 
Minuteman II launch on 09-19-2002
 
  Minuteman II launch Intercept test on 03-15-2002

  Minuteman II launch Intercept test on 07-14-2001

  Minuteman II launch on 07-07-2002

  Minuteman II launch on 10-02-1999
 

Mission
The LGM-30G Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile is an element of
the nation’s strategic deterrent forces. The "L" in LGM is the Department
of Defense designation for silo-launched; "G" means surface attack; and
"M" stands for guided missile.
Features
The Minuteman is a strategic weapon system using a ballistic missile of
intercontinental range. Missiles are dispersed in hardened silos to protect
against attack and connected to an underground launch control center
through a system of hardened cables. Launch crews, consisting of two
officers, perform around-the-clock alert in the launch control center. A
variety of communication systems provide the National Command
Authority (NCA) with highly reliable, virtually instantaneous direct contact
with each launch crew. Should command capability be lost between the
launch control center and remote missile launch facilities,
specially-configured EC-135 and E-6B airborne launch control center
aircraft automatically assume command and control of the isolated missile
or missiles. Fully qualified airborne missile combat crews aboard airborne
launch control center aircraft would execute the NCA orders.
Background
The Minuteman weapon system was conceived in the late 1950s and deployed in the early 1960s. Minuteman was a
revolutionary concept and an extraordinary technical achievement. Both the missile and basing components incorporated
significant advances beyond the relatively slow-reacting, liquid-fueled, remotely-controlled intercontinental ballistic missiles of
the previous generation. From the beginning, Minuteman missiles have provided a quick-reacting, inertially guided, highly
survivable component to America’s nuclear Triad. Minuteman’s maintenance concept capitalizes on high reliability and a
"remove and replace" approach to achieve a near one-hundred percent alert rate.
Through state-of-the-art improvements, the Minuteman system has evolved to meet new challenges and assume new missions.
Modernization programs have resulted in new versions of the missile, expanded targeting options, significantly improved
accuracy, and survivability. Today’s Minuteman weapon system is the product of almost 35 years of continuous enhancement.
The current Minuteman force consists of 515 Minuteman III’s located at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Malmstrom AFB, Mont.,
Minot AFB, N.D., and Grand Forks AFB, N.D. The last round of base realignment and closing decisions has forced a
realignment of Minuteman missiles from Grand Forks, AFB toMalmstrom, AFB by September, 1998. Ratification of Start I
and the possible implementation of Start II, means that Minuteman III will become the only land-based ICBM in the TRIAD.
An extensive life extension program is underway to keep the remaining missiles safe, secure and reliable well into the 21st
Century. These major programs include: replacement of the aging guidance system, remanufacture of the solid-propellant
rocket motors, replacement of standby power systems, repair of launch facilities, and installation of updated, survivable
communications equipment and new command and control consoles to enhance immediate communications.
                           LGM-30G Specifications
 Primary function: Intercontinental ballistic missile
 Contractor: Boeing Co.
 Power plant: Three solid-propellant rocket motors; first stage, Thiokol; second stage, Aerojet-General; third stage, United
 Technologies Chemical Systems Division
 Thrust: First stage, 202,600 pounds (91,170 kilograms)
 Length: 59.9 feet (18 meters)
 Weight: 79,432 pounds (32,158 kilograms)
 Diameter: 5.5 feet (1.67 meters)
 Range: 6,000-plus miles (5,218 nautical miles)
 Speed: Approximately 15,000 mph (Mach 23 or 24,000 kph) at burnout
 Ceiling: 700 miles (1,120 kilometers)
 Load: Re-entry vehicle: General Electric MK 12 or MK 12A
 Guidance system: Inertial system: Autonetics Division of Rockwell International (now Boeing North American); ground
 electronic/security system: Sylvania Electronics Systems and Boeing Co.
 Warheads: Three (downloaded to one in accordance with the Washington Summit Agreement, June 1992)
 Unit cost: $7 million
 Date deployed: June 1970, production cessation: December 1978
 Inventory: Active force, 515; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0