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Nuclear Modernization

First Sentinel Flight Test To Be Pad Launched

Frank Wolfe

Wednesday, November 5th, 2025

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First Sentinel Flight Test To Be Pad Launched

Pictured is a U.S. Space Force photo of an unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launching during an operational test at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif.

Rather than an ICBM test silo, the U.S. Air Force is to use a launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., for the first flight test of an unarmed LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM by Northrop Grumman [NOC]. "The first flight test was moved to a pad launch to allow for a more incremental approach to flight testing," the Air Force said on Wednesday in response to email questions. "The flight test dates will be confirmed as the Air Force restructures…

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