Vandenberg to Lease Space Launch Complex to SpaceX

By the edhat staff

SpaceX has gained approval to lease Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, previously used by the United Launch Alliance

This is the second West Coast launch pad for the private space enterprise, fifth in the United States with two launch pads in Florida and one at Starbase in south Texas.

Col. Rob Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, signed a statement of support on April 21, 2023, granting SpaceX permission to lease Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) for Falcon rocket launches.

SLC-6 previously supported the Delta IV vehicle family and has remained vacant since the final Delta IV Heavy launch on Sept. 24, 2022.

The decision is the result of Vandenberg’s launch pad allocation strategy, which is a process to evaluate the suitability of various launch sites for different types of rockets and payloads, the base stated in a press release. The process is critical to ensuring that launches are safe, and that the selected launch site can accommodate the unique requirements of each mission. This was the first round of launch pad allocations, and additional rounds of allocations will occur in the future after further operational analysis.

“This is an exciting time for Vandenberg Space Force Base, our nation’s premier West Coast launch site for military, civil and commercial space operations,” said Col. Rob Long, SLD 30 commander. “This agreement will add to the rich history of SLC-6 and builds on the already strong partnership with SpaceX.”

SpaceX has leased SLC-4 since 2015 and continues to grow its program with the demand of its Starlink satellite internet available around the globe.

The company launched 61 orbital missions in 2022 with a goal of 100 launches for 2023.