Shortly before 1 am PST an unspecified vehicle lifted off from Vandenberg SFB

[william]

Trajectory consistent with missile tests targeting Kawjalein Atoll. Based on the longer gaps in staging vs Minuteman, I would guess this was a Minotaur I or II.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2108485913869516835

• Photojournalist @Diver2441 captured a nighttime Minotaur I launch from Vandenberg SFB shortly before 1 AM PST on Oct 9, 2026, noting its trajectory toward Kwajalein Atoll and longer staging gaps distinguishing it from Minuteman missiles.
• The U.S. Air Force test used a Northrop Grumman Minotaur I from a North Base test pad to fly an unarmed Mk21A reentry vehicle in an in-flight environmental test supporting development for the future Sentinel ICBM.
• Images show the rocket's bright plume, a glowing gas ring expanding at stage 2 ignition, and a long-exposure photo tracing the dotted trajectory across the starry sky. Grok

https://everything.explained.today/Minotaur_(rocket_family)/

 

[william]

The U.S. Air Force has test-launched a nuclear warhead reentry vehicle being developed for America's next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile.The unarmed Mk21A vehicle, developed by Lockheed Martin $LMT, launched aboard a Northrop Grumman $NOC Minotaur I rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on October 9.The test marks the vehicle's first announced flight since June 2024, advancing development of the system designed to carry the W87-1 nuclear warhead aboard the future Sentinel ICBM.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2110392938169770087

• The post from @outerspacetoday details the U.S. Air Force's October 9, 2026 test launch of an unarmed Mk21A reentry vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard a Northrop Grumman Minotaur I rocket, advancing the Sentinel ICBM program.
• Developed by Lockheed Martin, the Mk21A is engineered to carry the W87-1 warhead, enabling reentry through Earth's atmosphere after traveling in space as part of replacing the Minuteman III system.
• This in-flight environmental test, overseen by the U.S. Space Force, provides data on heatshield integrity and stability, supporting the Sentinel's critical design review in 2027 and planned 2029 operational entry. Grok

The U.S. Air Force has test-launched a nuclear warhead reentry vehicle being developed for America's next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile - Bing

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