"[Wednesday's] Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of U.S. nuclear forces,” said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth.

Californians will be able to look to the sky to see an unarmed missile as the Air Force is set to launch the Minuteman III from Vandenberg base.

The test will launch an unarmed Minuteman III missile, of which 400 are in service at bases in Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota, according to the Air Force. Weighing nearly 40 tons and propelled by three solid-fuel rocket motors, the missile travels at speeds reaching 15,000 miles per hour.

In a move meant to showcase and test the United States nuclear forces’ readiness, military officials plan to launch an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California next week.

An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base Wednesday, a test planned years ago to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent.