[Launch Alert] First Space X Launch from Vandenberg Scheduled

[Launch Alert]

The following is a news release from Vandenberg AFB:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 25, 2013

FIRST SPACEX LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG SCHEDULED 

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."