The United States Space Force (USSF) is exploring the potential use of Launch Complex (SLC) 14 at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This new pad, located in the southern part of the base, is intended for heavy and super-heavy rocket launches. According to USSF’s definition, heavy-lift rockets can carry between 20 to 50 tons to low Earth orbit, while super-heavy rockets carry over 50 tons. It is noted that having such launch capabilities at Vandenberg Base will give USSF a strategic advantage, allowing the deployment of larger and more functional military satellites and to swiftly respond to national security emergencies.
Strategic Importance and Environmental Considerations
SLC-14 is described as “the most viable location for large-scale heavy and super-heavy rocket launch programs” at Vandenberg Base. The site is a few kilometers from engineering communications, with the nearest constraint being a railway line 600 meters from the site boundary. USSF stipulates additional conditions: the operating company must demonstrate “sufficient financial maturity” to build and operate the launch site. They prefer using SLC-14 for new rockets, rather than those with existing launch sites at Vandenberg, to “enhance launch diversity.” Rockets with “unique capabilities,” such as point-to-point transportation or payload return, are also welcomed.
Special emphasis is placed on “technically mature rockets capable of operating with SLC-14 within five years of signing the lease agreement.” Companies must provide detailed information about their operations to address safety issues and minimize impact on other operators at the base. These factors favor SpaceX’s Starship. The rocket falls into the super-heavy class, and with SpaceX’s estimated worth of around $800 billion and plans to raise tens of billions of dollars through an IPO in 2026, it appears to meet financial maturity requirements.
Industry Moves and Environmental Assessments
Currently, SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rockets from Launch Complex SLC-4 and refits SLC-6 for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions. The company has not announced plans to use these or any other sites at Vandenberg for Starship, although it has stated that the rocket can support “point-to-point” missions. Other companies developing heavy or super-heavy rockets already have access to sites at Vandenberg Base or have explored other potential sites.
United Launch Alliance completes work converting SLC-3, previously used for Atlas 5 launches, for Vulcan Centaur rocket launches. Environmental assessments have been conducted for the proposed SLC-9 for Blue Origin’s New Glenn, although a representative from Vandenberg Base reported on December 31 that no lease with Blue Origin has been signed. Responses from companies are expected within 45 days, although no timeline for proposal evaluation or further steps has been provided by USSF. Any decision to award the SLC-14 lease will depend on launch safety analysis and the completion of an environmental impact assessment.
