SpaceX gains approval for major expansion at Vandenberg Space Force Base to boost launch capacity

In a significant advancement for commercial spaceflight operations along the West Coast, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) has finalized the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) that will facilitate extensive modifications to SpaceX’s launch and landing operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This decision enables the redevelopment of the historic Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6), allowing for an increase in launches to as many as 100 Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions each year, significantly up from the current limit of 50 annual launches from the existing SLC-4E site.

By endorsing Alternative 1 in the ROD, the DAF has given the green light to SpaceX’s plans, which include the construction of a new integration hangar next to SLC-6 dedicated to processing Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. This new facility will be situated south of the horizontal integration area, streamlining operations while ensuring that current launch capabilities remain uninterrupted. SpaceX’s approach mirrors its work at a former United Launch Alliance site at the Cape, where SLC-37 is being modified to accommodate Starship launches.

The expansion will also lead to an increase in rocket landings at SLC-6 and in the surrounding Pacific Ocean areas, accompanied by necessary airspace closures for launch operations approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With this new authorization, SpaceX can now conduct up to five Falcon Heavy missions annually from the revamped SLC-6.

This latest development builds on SpaceX’s 2023 leasing agreement for SLC-6, a site with a complex history dating back to its original construction in 1966 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program. Since then, SLC-6 has undergone various transformations, including adaptations for Space Shuttle polar orbit missions in the 1970s, ultimately leading to significant investments in infrastructure aimed at overcoming challenges such as noise and ignition hazards.

However, after the Challenger disaster in 1986, the Air Force lost interest in the Space Shuttle program, leading to SLC-6’s decommissioning in 1989 after substantial expenditure. Over the years, the site saw limited use, hosting a few launches of Athena rockets in the 1990s and more recently serving for United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV missions until its final flight in September 2022.

With ULA’s exit, SpaceX has an opportunity to transform SLC-6 into a hub capable of supporting an expanded launch capacity. Colonel Rob Long, the former commander of Space Launch Delta 30, emphasized the importance of the new lease for bolstering partnerships, highlighting Vandenberg’s importance as a key launch site for military, civil, and commercial payloads.

The DAF’s approval reflects a thorough assessment of potential impacts associated with increased launch frequencies, carefully addressing issues such as noise pollution, effects on local wildlife, and wastewater management. This scrutiny recalls challenges faced during the Shuttle era, including concerns related to sound suppression and the humid conditions of the region.

The FAA, acting as a cooperating agency, will release its own independent Record of Decision to align with the DAF’s findings regarding launch licensing. As SpaceX continues to standardize operations at its existing SLC-4E site with frequent Falcon 9 launches, the addition of SLC-6 is expected to further bolster the company’s position, potentially doubling the launch capacity from the West Coast.

“This ROD is an affirmation of our commitment to enhancing America’s presence in space,” remarked a spokesperson from the Space Launch Delta 30. “By empowering SpaceX at SLC-6, we are setting the stage for a new era in Vandenberg’s legacy of innovation.”

While SpaceX’s Starship development remains primarily focused in Texas and Florida, there are ongoing discussions about the site’s long-term capabilities. Though there are no current official plans for immediate changes to SLC-6, its infrastructure is well-positioned to support a model similar to Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 39A.

As SpaceX continues to expand its operations with ongoing upgrades to various launch sites, the future of SLC-6 appears promising, solidifying its role as a critical asset within the American space launch landscape.