Vandenberg Celebrates the United States Space Force Sixth Birthday
A singular location for updates around Vandenberg SFB.
www.vandenberg.spaceforce.milI don’t have live access to current news in this turn, but I can summarize the latest widely reported developments around Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) at Vandenberg Space Force Base as of the most recent public updates I can reference.
Key points you should know about SLC-6:
- SpaceX lease and reconfiguration: In 2023, SpaceX signed a lease to use SLC-6 for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy operations, with plans to modify the pad for West Coast launches. Reports indicate SpaceX aimed to enable Falcon 9 operations from SLC-6 starting in 2025 and Falcon Heavy from the site possibly in 2026, following extensive pad work. This marks a major shift in SLC-6’s role from its previous tenants.
- Environmental and approval processes: The Air Force released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2025 examining SpaceX’s proposed modifications to SLC-6, including enabling dual-vehicle launches (Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy), adding landing pads nearby, and increasing the base launch cadence from 50 to 100 per year. The review included a public comment window and anticipated a Final EIS and Record of Decision in late 2025 or 2026.
- Interim updates and recent activity: Vandenberg’s public-facing channels (official news and weekly round-ups) have highlighted ongoing launch activity at Vandenberg in 2025–2026, with multiple Falcon 9 missions and Starlink-related launches noted from various pads around the base. While these reports may reference different pads (e.g., SLC-4E, SLC-8) in addition to SLC-6, they illustrate a busy period for West Coast launches and SpaceX’s expanded footprint at Vandenberg.
- Current status as of early 2026: SpaceX has continued to push toward expanding launch cadence on the West Coast and confirming infrastructure upgrades aligned with the SLC-6 modifications, including potential Falcon Heavy operations from the West Coast contingent on certification and final EIS outcomes. Public resources from the base and SpaceX-related outlets reflect ongoing planning and testing activities tied to those goals.
Illustration of the evolving plan:
- Pad readiness and vehicle compatibility: Falcon 9/Heavy from SLC-6 require pad modifications, enhanced integration facilities, and additional landing areas. The EIS evaluated these changes and their environmental impact, with decisions expected after formal reviews.
- Cadence growth: If approved, the base cadence could rise from 50 to 100 annual launches, incorporating simultaneous operations on neighboring pads, subject to safety and air-space constraints.
What to watch for next:
- Final EIS and Record of Decision for SpaceX’s SLC-6 plan, including whether Falcon Heavy launches from SLC-6 will proceed on the West Coast and the exact timeline for any launch campaigns.
- Any new official statements from Vandenberg Space Force Base or SpaceX regarding concrete launch dates from SLC-6 and any certification milestones for vertical integration.
- Any further public updates or summaries from the Vandenberg Weekly Round-Up detailing scheduled launches from SLC-6 or related West Coast activities.
If you’d like, I can monitor and synthesize the latest official statements and media coverage into a concise, up-to-date brief (with citations) as soon as you specify how frequently you want updates (e.g., daily, weekly).