<BGSOUND SRC="vafb/20000817%20Titan%20IVB%20b.wav">

Minuteman-II launch from Vandenberg AFB, July 14, 2001

(Download a higher resolution picture by clicking on any picture below.) Go to the Home Page

An LGM-30 Minuteman-II missile was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in support of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Segment of the National Missile Defense program at 7:40 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time on Saturday, July 14, 2001.

Minuteman II launch from Vandenberg AFB on July 14, 2001 The launch occurred just before sunset. Animated GIF of the launch of a Minuteman II on July 14, 2001 I blocked the sun with my chair.

Minuteman II launch from Vandenberg AFB on July 14, 2001 After the sun went down the exhaust trail was still brightly illuminated.

Minuteman II launch from Vandenberg AFB on July 14, 2001 High altitude winds quickly twisted the exhaust into a convoluted, spiralling network.

Minuteman II launch from Vandenberg AFB on July 14, 2001 Animated GIF of the sunset effect.

Minuteman II launch from Vandenberg AFB on July 14, 2001 There were spectacular colors visible in the lower portion of the exhaust trail that may have been from the first stage separation.

Minuteman II launch from Vandenberg AFB on July 14, 2001 The colorful part of the exhaust trail exhibited condensation and precipitation, like virga from clouds over the desert.

Animated GIF of the exhaust trail from a Minuteman II on July 14, 2001 Animated GIF of the precipitation.

Minuteman II launch from Vandenberg AFB on July 14, 2001 This is a wide angle composite of two frames.

Minuteman II launch from Vandenberg AFB on July 14, 2001 Animated GIF of the sunset effect.

Previous launches from Vandenberg AFB More Vandenberg AFB launch photography.

Link to the Federation of American Scientists' Minuteman missile page.

Link to the Federation of American Scientists' National Missile Defense page.

Link to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) National Missile Defense (NMD) page.

Link to the Strategic Air Command's Minuteman Missile page.

The home page of the 30th Space Wing

For national and international space coverage visit SPACE.com

Brian Webb's Rawhide Space Page provides launch schedule and ham radio information.

Go to the Home Page

I am always interested in more information about these launches. Send a message to Brian .