On Dec 2, 6:12*pm, David Spain wrote:
Matt wrote:
I notice that MMIII missiles launched from Vandenberg will make a
couple of roll maneuvers as they shape their trajectory out ofver the
Pacific. Are these done for the sake of optimizing the communications/
telemetry links, or is there another reason?

Launches from Vandenberg are (usually) for training or test or both.
In the test cases it would not be unusual for the missile to be programmed to
do a slow roll at least for part of its trajectory in order measure flight
characteristics and control inputs.

Oftentimes the unique black-and-white "piano" stripes seen painted on the
missile is to measure this during early ascent.

I doubt it is required to improve telemetry.



that is a very good reason for a roll, to point the transmitting
antennas to a tracking site