VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif., – The safety team at Vandenberg Space Force Base has received the highest rating possible in their most recent inspection, reaffirming its role as the gold standard in ensuring safe and reliable access to space. The evaluation, conducted in August by Space Systems Command (SSC), graded Vandenberg’s safety regulation compliance as “met and effective”, an achievement that distinguishes the unit’s exemplary performance in their field.
“They came and inspected us over the course of three days,” said U.S. Space Force Col. Dylan Monaghan, Chief of Safety at Vandenberg. “They made sure we were doing our required inspections of everything; that our documentation and training was accurate and timely. We were found to be met and effective, which is the highest possible rating.”
Though inspectors addressed minor areas for improvement, which reflect on staffing shortages, the outcome was a clear recognition of Vandenberg’s commitment to risk-informed decision-making and prioritizing public safety.
The inspection capped off a summer of high launch tempo for Vandenberg. The base has supported nearly 50 launches this year, with projections showing more than 100 annually by the late 2020s, averaging about one every three days. These figures highlight the growing demands on the safety team as the United States accelerates its space operations to maintain global leadership.
“Our mission is to ensure both the safety of people, both on and off base, and assets in the full spectrum of what we do,” Monaghan said.
“I have what’s called a launch support team that confirms accountability of people and assets,” said Monaghan. “It’s a well-exercised, integrated system, scaling based on the risk of the launch vehicle.”
Launches unite security forces to coordinate road closures, firefighters standing by in the event of a brush fire, and civil engineers working to ensure power reliability for Vandenberg and its facilities. These preparation efforts amongst the squadrons remain integral to the safety team’s responsibilities, continuing to ensure the safety of the public and team Vandenberg.
Technology continues to reshape safety operations. With a shift to Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS), rockets have self-terminating capabilities in the event of an anomaly or mishap. The Space Force has mandated most launch vehicles to utilize this technology.
Additionally, Vandenberg’s safety team uses an advanced simulation process known as a Monte Carlo analysis. The process runs on a computing system that allows safety officers to model thousands of possible launch trajectories, setting accurate self-destruct lines.
As launch rates increase and new providers enter the market, the Vandenberg safety team is coordinating with higher headquarters to modernize regulations written in earlier eras of rocket launch. The goal Vandenberg’s safety team has in mind? Streamline processes while maintaining protections for the public.
“The ultimate vision when we say ‘spaceport’ is providing access to space that is repeatable, reliable, and frequent,” Monaghan explained. “Models show that Vandenberg alone will be pushing well over 100 launches a year in the next few years. That means we have to keep pace while continuing to ensure public safety.”
For Monaghan, the key to the future is balancing innovation with vigilance. “We can’t mitigate every possible risk, but what we can do is minimize risks to the established standards,” he said. “That way, we keep people safe while enabling the United States to maintain its dominance in space.”
The safety team’s recent inspection results are a reminder of both success and responsibility.
“We’re going to continue working to keep the public safe while increasing the launch rate and bringing new launch providers on,” Monaghan said. “We have to do both at the same time because keeping our space domain and assets robust is a critical force multiplier for the entire Department of War and U.S. government.”
As the United States expands its presence in space, Vandenberg’s safety team will remain at the forefront of it all, ensuring that every launch is safe and reliable.