SpaceX is advancing its ambitious expansion plans at Vandenberg Space Force Base, which aim to double its West Coast launch cadence and enable the iconic Falcon Heavy rockets to take off from California. Recently, the Department of the Air Force published its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), detailing proposed modifications to the Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) at Vandenberg. This statement outlines three critical components of SpaceX's proposal.
The proposed changes include:
Modifying the launch pad to accommodate both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rocket launches. Constructing two new landing pads adjacent to SLC-6. Increasing the permitted launch cadence from Vandenberg from 50 launches to an impressive 100.The planned transformation of SLC-6 involves significant overhauls. The site was previously used by United Launch Alliance for Delta 4 rocket launches from 2006 until its final launch in September 2022. SpaceX secured a lease for SLC-6 from the Air Force in April 2023, paving the way for these exciting developments.
To facilitate the launching of its Falcon rockets, SpaceX proposed modifications to the existing horizontal integration facility (HIF), akin to the setup at Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This plan includes the addition of a transport road to the pad, along with commodity storage tanks and ground support equipment. Alternatively, SpaceX may construct a new 62,000-square-foot HIF north of the launch pad.
The overhaul of the ground systems at SLC-6 is extensive, comprising 143,000 square feet of commodity storage for essential materials such as liquid oxygen, rocket propellant-1 (RP-1), nitrogen, helium, and water.
The Draft EIS summary states, “The Proposed Action is needed to meet current and near-term U.S. Government space launch requirements from the Western Range, specifically for medium and heavy-lift launches to polar, geostationary, and other orbits less reliably available elsewhere.” It emphasizes the necessity of expanding launch capacity and restoring heavy-lift launch capabilities to the Western Range, partly facilitated through launches of the Falcon Heavy.
In parallel, United Launch Alliance is renovating Space Launch Complex 3 East (SLC-3E) for its upcoming Vulcan rocket, which also boasts heavy-lift capabilities.
The launch cadence estimation between SpaceX’s existing West Coast pad at Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) and SLC-6 indicates a distribution of 70 Falcon 9 launches to 11 Falcon Heavy launches in 2026, totaling 82 launches. By 2027 and 2028, this is expected to shift to a 70-25 split for Falcon 9, with five Falcon Heavy launches slated for each of those years.
The proposed ramp-up in launch frequency would utilize both SLC-4E and SLC-6 and could permit up to 12 landings annually at Landing Zone 4 from 2025 to 2028, and at SLC-6 from 2026 to 2028. The new landing zones at SLC-6 are designed with a diameter of 280 feet, each surrounded by a 60-foot gravel apron, encompassing approximately 16 acres.
A 45-day public review period for the Draft EIS commenced on May 23 and will conclude on July 7. The Final EIS is expected to be published in Fall 2025, with a Record of Decision potentially released 30 days thereafter. To review and comment on the Draft EIS, please visit the designated links provided.
In preparing the Draft EIS, the Air Force analyzed various environmental factors, including air and water quality, as well as potential disturbances to cultural materials. According to a letter from the Vandenberg base archeologist, the proposed construction and increased launch cadence “will have no potential to affect a historic property” under the National Historic Preservation Act.
Water usage for each Falcon Heavy launch at SLC-6 is estimated at 1.5 million gallons, compared to 200,000 gallons per Falcon 9 launch for the deluge system, which is significantly higher than the 70,000 gallons used at SLC-4E. The Draft EIS indicates that this increased water requirement at SLC-6 will not significantly impact the San Antonio Creek basin, nor will it adversely affect surface water or groundwater resources.
Moreover, SpaceX is committed to implementing best management practices to prevent negative impacts on wetlands and wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has assessed that the modifications and increased launch frequency at SLC-6 will not jeopardize federally listed threatened or endangered species or disrupt critical habitats.
SpaceX’s expansion at Vandenberg is crucial for enhancing launch capacity for both commercial and government missions, including 23 remaining assignments under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2. The company has already launched several missions and is poised to handle future government contracts, necessitating the integration of vertical launch capabilities.
As of May 2025, SpaceX's vertical integration capabilities are not yet available for customers at Launch Complex 39A, similar to those at ULA’s SLC-41. However, the proposed upgrades at SLC-6 will fulfill requirements for the NSSL Phase 2 contract, enabling Falcon Heavy launches from the West Coast.
In conclusion, SpaceX's ambitious plans at Vandenberg Space Force Base not only aim to enhance its launch capabilities but also contribute significantly to the future of U.S. space exploration and national security.
