America's Nuclear Missile Fields; Defending America's Satellites | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

60 Minutes・2 minutes read

Nearly 450 Minuteman III nuclear missiles can be launched by the president, located near residential areas and 20 times more powerful than Hiroshima's bomb. Upgrades and safety measures are being implemented to prevent mishaps and address morale issues within the missile core.

Insights

  • Missile control is managed by young missile ears working in teams of two on 24-hour shifts, with strict security measures including three switches and a key for launch authorization, highlighting the rigorous protocols in place to prevent unauthorized missile launches and ensure operational readiness.
  • The U.S. military heavily relies on satellites for communication, intelligence, and targeting weapons, with potential threats like anti-satellite weapons, lasers, and jamming capabilities posing significant concerns, leading to increased investment in safeguarding satellite systems.

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  • What are Minuteman III missiles?

    Land-based nuclear missiles ready for launch.

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Summary

00:00

"US Minuteman III Nuclear Missiles Overview"

  • Nearly 450 Minuteman III land-based nuclear missiles are ready for launch on the president's command, forming part of the nuclear Triad alongside submarines and bombers.
  • A scandal involving drugs and cheating led to the removal of the entire Air Force chain of command at a missile base responsible for one-third of land-based missiles.
  • The missiles are located close to rural communities, with each Warhead being 20 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, capable of causing mass destruction.
  • The missiles are spread across three Air Force bases in five states, connected by a web of underground cables to monitoring buildings with control rooms 70 feet underground.
  • Missile control is managed by young missile ears working in teams of two on 24-hour shifts, with strict security measures including three switches and a key for launch authorization.
  • General Weinstein oversees a force of 9,600 personnel, including maintenance technicians, security forces, and missile ears, with a focus on addressing issues within the missile core.
  • A culture of perfection led to cheating among missile ears on routine tests, with pressure to score 100% for promotion, but changes have been implemented to alleviate this stress.
  • Morale issues within the missile core have been addressed by General Weinstein, with safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized missile launches and maintenance crews ensuring missile readiness.
  • Close calls involving nuclear weapons mishaps during the Cold War, including a rocket fuel explosion and accidental nuclear bomb drop, highlight the risks associated with land-based nuclear missiles.
  • Upgrades in rocket fuel stability and key components aim to prevent accidental detonations, with past incidents revealing the potential dangers and the importance of stringent safety measures.

17:26

Modernizing Missile Systems: Ensuring Safety and Security

  • Guidance systems direct missiles to their targets, with nuclear weapons and warheads being safer now than 30 years ago.
  • The Minuteman missile system dates back to the Nixon Administration, with modern safety mechanisms surpassing older systems.
  • Major General Jack Weinstein oversees 450 land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles in the U.S.
  • Safety mechanisms from the 1960s are still in place, with upgrades made to the system over time.
  • Issues like broken doors and outdated equipment pose challenges in maintaining the missile system.
  • Recent incidents like nuclear-tipped cruise missiles loaded onto a B-52 by mistake highlight potential risks.
  • Upgrades to launch control centers and silos are underway, with concerns about outdated technology and security.
  • Space Command prepares for potential attacks on satellites, with China testing anti-satellite weapons.
  • The U.S military heavily relies on satellites for communication, intelligence, and targeting weapons.
  • The GPS satellite system, operated from Schriever Air Force Base, is crucial for global navigation and various services.

34:13

"Protecting U.S. Satellites from Space Threats"

  • Lieutenant General Jay Raymond maintains the command center for space operations 24/7, 365 days a year.
  • The U.S. satellite's potential attack would prompt a chain of command alerting the White House.
  • The decision to respond to an attack on American satellites rests with the President.
  • Approximately 1300 of the 23,000 tracked objects in space are active satellites, with the rest being debris.
  • The 2007 Chinese anti-satellite weapon test created over 3,000 pieces of debris.
  • The U.S. Air Force's Space Command is preparing for potential conflicts in space, focusing on protecting vital satellites.
  • China's advancements in anti-satellite capabilities pose a significant concern to the U.S. military.
  • The U.S. is investing an additional $5 billion over five years to safeguard its satellites.
  • Potential threats to U.S. satellites include anti-satellite weapons, lasers, and jamming capabilities.
  • The lack of a global code of conduct for space operations leaves room for countries to pursue their interests, potentially leading to a space arms race.
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