US Space Force Issues RFIs to Expand Heavy-Lift Launch Capabilities on Coasts

In a significant strategic maneuver to enhance its launch capabilities for both military and commercial purposes, the United States Space Force has issued two Requests for Information (RFIs) as of late December 2025. This move aims to optimize prime launch sites for heavy-lift rockets along the East and West Coasts, reflecting a booming demand for orbital access.

The first RFI focuses on Space Launch Complex 46 (SLC-46), situated at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This pivotal location, positioned just south of Blue Origin’s Launch Complex 36, has its roots in the late 1980s when it was constructed to facilitate U.S. Navy Trident missile tests. Over the years, SLC-46 has been the site of various missions, including two launches by Lockheed Martin’s Athena in the 1990s, a Minotaur launch in 2017, and an unsuccessful series of Astra’s Rocket 3.3 attempts in 2022. It also played a role in NASA’s Orion Ascent Abort-2 test in 2018 and has served as a venue for military missile demonstrations.

The Space Force is particularly interested in expanding the variety of launch options available on the Eastern Range. The request highlights the desire to incorporate new launch vehicles rather than merely adding pads for existing rockets. This strategy might limit participation from established companies like SpaceX, which is already developing several launch pads for its Starship program on the East Coast. SpaceX has noted interest in only one other site, LC-49, which has faced delays due to environmental assessments. On the other hand, Blue Origin may find this RFI appealing; the company recently launched its New Glenn rocket and is working on a more powerful version intended to improve operational frequency and meet rising national security and commercial demands.

Crucially, the lease of SLC-46 is contingent upon the U.S. Navy relocating its existing operations from the site—a task that the Navy will manage independently. After the relocation, the successful launch provider will be responsible for dismantling any remaining Navy infrastructure.

Just over a week later, on December 30, 2025, the Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California published a second RFI pertaining to the development of Space Launch Complex 14 (SLC-14). This proposed complex is located at the southeastern corner of the base, near docks that have historically been used by SpaceX and United Launch Alliance to receive essential payloads like boosters and fairings. The Vandenberg proposal is more inclusive compared to its Florida counterpart, potentially allowing for a diverse range of heavy-lift and super heavy-lift vehicles, including Relativity Space’s Terran R and Blue Origin’s aspirations for a West Coast launch site.

The Vandenberg RFI likely addresses evolving national security requirements due to escalating demand for satellite launches, hypersonic testing, and future missions requiring sun-synchronous or polar orbits. The West Coast’s geographical advantages make it particularly suited for launching into these angles, which can be more challenging from East Coast sites.

These RFIs serve as formal inquiries into industry capabilities and are not legally binding. Responses are anticipated soon, with Vandenberg’s deadline set at 45 days. Following the receipt of these proposals, the Space Force plans to conduct environmental reviews, safety assessments, and, if necessary, pursue lease agreements. If viable proposals arise, the move could significantly enhance options for super heavy-lift vehicles in the coming decade.

As 2025 has already proven to be a pivotal year for U.S. space operations, characterized by a record number of orbital launches largely driven by SpaceX’s Starlink projects and the rise of commercial satellite constellations, the Pentagon’s strategy to secure additional launch facilities is a proactive measure. This initiative aims to ensure that the military has access to a robust, diverse, and reliable array of launch services, minimizing dependence on any single provider for critical operations.