© 30th Space Wing (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.) / Facebook
The three-stage ICBM blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 07:02GMT Wednesday. It traveled around 4,200 miles to a test range near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
The test of the Minuteman III missile follows a similar launch on April 26 from North Vandenberg Air Force Base. The move comes amid rapidly growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, although the mission was planned "over the past 10 months," according to the 30th Space Wing, which conducted the test.
The Minuteman III tests are aimed "to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system" according to Air Force Global Strike Command.
"These ICBM test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent," the 30th Space Wing stated.
So, basically nothing has changed. Apparently, they do test fires regularly to make sure they're working. Have done for years.
This "2nd test in 7 days" is prolly just for more bluster/theater.
I doubt anyone in China or Russia is losing any sleep over it... Well, they might be losing a little sleep - if only because the dingbat "deep state" seems to be getting desperate, and who knows what idiocy they may unleash when backed into a corner.