Missile Defense test launches Published July 5, 2013 By 020713 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A Ground-based Interceptor, an element of the overall Ground-based Midcourse Defense system, was launched from North Vandenberg Friday at 11:35 a.m. PDT by 30th Space Wing officials, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, and U.S. Northern Command. Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority. "Both the 30th Space Wing and the Missile Defense Agency worked hard to get the team ready for today's launch," said Balts. "This was my first MDA launch as the wing commander and I was impressed by the professionalism each member of this team embodied." The operationally-configured interceptor is designed to intercept and destroy a ballistic missile warhead as part of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense element of the integrated Ballistic Missile Defense System, according to a MDA spokesperson. For more information on the flight test, contact Debra Christman at debra.christman@mda.mil or Rick Lehner at richard.lehner@mda.mil (571) 231-8212.