1961 Press Photo Titan Missile Launches, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Smoke and sheets of flame preceded the appearance of a Titan ICBM fired Wednesday from a "silo" launching pad at Vandenberg air force base, California. It was the first test of an underground system designed to enable the United States to strike back after an atomic attack. In this sequence of pictures, the titan is seen rising from its 146 foot deep silo before heading down the Pacific rocket range. The rocket was deliberately destroyed minutes later. Guided missile, Titan.

Photo is dated 1961.

Photo measures 8 x 8.75 inches.