FIRST SPACEX LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG SCHEDULED Published Sept. 25, 2013 By 050913 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch its first-ever SpaceX launch from Space Launch Complex-4 here Sunday with a targeted launch window beginning at 9 a.m. PDT. Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority. "Our mission is to provide unique capabilities for assured access to and from space for our nation," said Balts. "This is a huge stepping stone for Vandenberg and our SpaceX mission partners and I am impressed with the amount of innovation, dedication and professionalism that was put into making this historic event happen." 30th Space Wing's 1st Air and Space Test Squadron is 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 is evaluating SpaceX's flight and ground systems, processes and procedures for this inaugural space launch campaign for the upgraded Falcon 9 rocket. "This is historic event for Vandenberg AFB and we are excited to be a part of it," said Lt. Col. Joseph Imwalle, 1ASTS commander. "The Squadron is committed to making the new process of EELV certification successful and to achieving the vision of more affordable operational spacelift capabilities for the Department of Defense without compromising reliability." -30-