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Boeing SM-80 Minuteman ICBM is launched
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Boeing SM-80 Minuteman ICBM is launched
Boeing SM-80 Minuteman ICBM is launched on a test flight from Cape Canaveral on 19 May 1961. The rocket had to be destroyed after it veered off course following second stage ignition
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1961 Boeing Canaveral Cape Course Destroyed Icbm Ignition Launched Rocket Test Minuteman
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In this historic photograph, the Boeing SM-80 Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is seen being launched on a test flight from Cape Canaveral on May 19, 1961. The Minuteman was a major part of the United States' strategic defense system during the Cold War era, designed to deliver nuclear warheads to targets thousands of miles away. The test launch was a significant moment in the development of the Minuteman program, marking the first time the missile had been launched from a land-based silo. However, the celebration was short-lived as the missile veered off course following the ignition of the second stage. Despite this setback, the incident provided valuable data for engineers to analyze and improve the design of the missile. The Boeing SM-80 Minuteman ICBM was a three-stage, liquid-fueled rocket, with a total length of 72 feet and a diameter of 10 feet. It had a range of over 5,000 miles and could carry a nuclear warhead with a yield of up to 1.2 megatons. The missile was designed to be quickly launched from underground silos, allowing for a rapid response to any potential threat. The launch site at Cape Canaveral was a hub of activity during the Space Race, with both the US and Soviet Union testing their latest rocket technology. The successful launch of the Minuteman ICBM marked a significant milestone in the US nuclear arsenal, demonstrating the country's technological prowess and commitment to national defense. Despite the eventual success of the Minuteman program, this particular test launch ended in failure. However, the data gathered from the incident was invaluable in refining the design and ensuring the reliability of future launches. The image of the Boeing SM-80 Minuteman ICBM being launched on May 19, 1961, serves as a reminder of the technological advancements and the political tensions of the Cold War era.
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