A Minotaur I rocket successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on the night of 17 June 2024, carrying an unarmed Mk21A reentry vehicle.
This launch marks a milestone in the development of the Mk21A program, overseen by the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center.
The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin announced the successful completion of this planned flight test, which took place over the Pacific Ocean. The test is a critical step in advancing the U.S. Air Force’s future intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) weapon system.
According to a press release from the U.S. Air Force, the Mk21A reentry vehicle will eventually be integrated into the nation’s ICBM system once it attains full operational capability.
Lockheed Martin’s vehicle design components and technologies were evaluated during this flight test, demonstrating the maturity of the Mk21A’s design. Jay Watson, vice president of Strategic Reentry at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the significance of the test:
“This progress is built on a strong foundation—Lockheed Martin’s 65-plus years of demonstrated exceptional performance in reentry technologies and a pioneering digital engineering approach on this program from its beginning. We remain focused on delivering this capability for the warfighter as a trusted partner to the U.S. Air Force for ICBM reentry systems and modernization of the deterrent triad.”
This flight test is part of Lockheed Martin’s Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract with the Air Force Nuclear Systems Center. The data collected will inform the Mk21A’s design and guide future flight test activities, ensuring that the program remains on schedule.
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