VANDENBERG LAUNCHES SPACEX ROCKET Published Sept. 29, 2013 By 090913 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg launched its first-ever SpaceX launch from Space Launch Complex-4 here Sunday at 9 a.m. Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority. "I am truly honored to work with such an amazing team here at Vandenberg," said Balts. "With safety at the forefront during all launch operations, we highlighted our mission three times in one week, culminating in today's historic launch with SpaceX. What I have seen in the past few months as Wing Commander is a true testament to the professionalism and dedication the men and women of Vandenberg have toward our mission." 30th Space Wing's 1st Air and Space Test Squadron was the lead for all launch site certification activities at Vandenberg for SpaceX as an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle New Entrant. Under the authority of the Space and Missile Systems Center, the Squadron evaluated SpaceX's flight and ground systems, processes and procedures for this inaugural space launch campaign for the upgraded Falcon 9 rocket. -30-