VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An unarmed test launch is scheduled for the morning of July 7 from north Vandenberg. The launch is the first test supporting the development of the Air Force's new Mk21A reentry vehicle.
The Mk21A reentry vehicle will be used on the future LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, which are both being developed by the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. The Air Force's new Ground Based Strategic Deterrent ICBM was officially designated the LGM-35A Sentinel in April.
The test launch will demonstrate preliminary design concepts and relevant payload technologies in operationally realistic environments, according to AFNWC officials.