The Air Force’s 30th Space Wing and Space Exploration Technologies conducted the first launch of the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. During the Sept. 29 mission from Vandy’s Space Launch Complex 4, the new Falcon 9 v.1.1 configuration carried Canada’s Cassiope technology demonstration satellite into orbit, along with five other smaller payloads, according to the company. The launch was part of SpaceX’s activities to gain Air Force certification to carry national security satellites into space. This was the sixth Falcon 9 launch overall; the previous five took place at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. The new v.1.1 configuration features stretched first and second stages and a new arrangement for the first stage’s nine Merlin engines. (See also Vandenberg release and Los Angeles Times report.)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
