Vandenberg Space Force Base is looking to significantly expand its launch capabilities, seeking commercial partners to develop the West Coast's first launch pad dedicated to super-heavy rockets. The move follows a record-breaking year for the California base, which conducted 77 space and missile operations in 2025.
On December 29, 2025, Space Launch Delta 30, the unit overseeing the base, issued a formal Request for Information (RFI) to gauge interest from U.S. launch providers. The goal is to develop Space Launch Complex-14 (SLC-14) to accommodate the next generation of large-scale launch vehicles, a critical component of future national security space strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Vandenberg Space Force Base has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to develop a new launch site, SLC-14.
- The new complex will be designed for heavy (20,000–50,000 kg to LEO) and super-heavy (over 50,000 kg to LEO) rockets.
- This would be the first dedicated super-heavy launch facility on the U.S. West Coast.
- The project will be commercially funded, with a private company financing, building, and operating the site in exchange for a lease.
- The expansion aims to enhance U.S. national security, satellite deployment capabilities, and overall space resilience.
Addressing a Strategic Gap
Vandenberg Space Force Base currently supports a high tempo of launches with medium and heavy vehicles, but it lacks the necessary infrastructure for the largest rockets being developed. The proposed development of SLC-14 is designed to fill this crucial gap.
The RFI specifies the need for facilities capable of launching rockets that can carry payloads of 20,000 to 50,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit, classified as heavy-lift. More significantly, it also calls for capabilities to support super-heavy vehicles, which can lift more than 50,000 kilograms.
According to the RFI, developing this capability at Vandenberg offers a distinct strategic advantage. It would allow for the deployment of larger, more complex military satellites and enable rapid response missions during national security emergencies. The deadline for interested commercial providers to submit their responses is February 12, 2026.
A Commercially Funded Approach
The development model for SLC-14 is structured as a public-private partnership. The selected commercial provider will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the project, shouldering all associated costs. This includes:
- Financing the project
- Designing the launch complex
- Constructing all necessary facilities
- Operating and maintaining the pad
In return for this investment, the company will secure a fair-market-value lease for the site. This approach allows the U.S. Space Force to expand its capabilities without direct government expenditure on construction, leveraging the innovation and capital of the commercial space industry.
Why Vandenberg's Location Matters
Vandenberg's geographic position on the California coast makes it ideal for launching satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. These specific orbits are critical for missions that require global coverage, such as missile warning and intelligence gathering, as well as for Earth observation satellites that need consistent lighting conditions for reliable imaging.
Enhancing National Security and Resilience
The initiative is a key part of the U.S. Space Force's broader "Race to Resilience" strategy. This doctrine emphasizes the need for a robust and diversified space infrastructure that can withstand potential disruptions, whether from technical failures, supply chain issues, or adversarial actions.
Record Operations in 2025
The push for expansion comes after Vandenberg completed a total of 77 operations in 2025, including space launches, missile tests, and aeronautical activities, setting a new record for the base.
By establishing a super-heavy launch capability on the West Coast, the U.S. diversifies its launch options, which are currently concentrated on the East Coast. This reduces single-point vulnerabilities and strengthens what military planners call "assured access to space."
"Adding heavy/super-heavy launch capabilities at VSFB enhances resilience, diversifies the government’s portfolio, and accelerates satellite constellation reconstitution due to increased lift capacity."
The ability to launch heavier payloads more frequently is also essential for rapidly reconstituting satellite constellations if they are damaged or destroyed. This aligns with modern defense strategies that rely on proliferated networks of smaller satellites and hybrid military-commercial systems to create a more resilient space architecture.
The Future of SLC-14
Space Launch Complex-14 is located near the southern boundary of the base. Officials have identified it as the "most viable site for large-scale heavy/super-heavy launch programs" due to its proximity to existing infrastructure and its geographic placement.
The development of this site represents a significant step forward in preparing for a future where access to space is more contested. The ability to launch larger and more capable payloads from the West Coast will support a wide range of missions, from placing advanced national security assets into orbit to supporting ambitious commercial and scientific endeavors.
As the commercial space sector continues to develop larger and more powerful rockets, the creation of SLC-14 at Vandenberg will ensure that the U.S. has the ground infrastructure necessary to support these next-generation vehicles and maintain its strategic advantage in space.