US Air Force Approves 100 Annual SpaceX Launches from California
The United States Air Force has officially authorized SpaceX to conduct up to 100 launches annually from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This decision, made on October 10, 2023, marks a significant increase from the previous limit of 50 launches per year, highlighting the growing role of private companies in space exploration.
The approval follows the release of a final environmental impact statement regarding SpaceX’s plans to expand operations at Vandenberg. Situated along California’s central coast, the base has been primarily used for launching the Falcon 9 rocket, with all missions conducted from Space Launch Complex 4-East (SLC-4E).
Expansion to Include Falcon Heavy Launches
With this new authorization, Vandenberg will also be equipped to launch the Falcon Heavy from Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6). This complex has not seen a launch since 2022 and will undergo modifications to support both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions. The Air Force has indicated that up to five Falcon Heavy launches could occur each year from this site.
Despite the ambitious quota, it is likely that the Falcon Heavy will not fully utilize its launch allocation. The heavy-lift rocket has not flown in over a year, and SpaceX is concurrently working on the development of the Starship, a fully reusable rocket designed for future missions to Mars.
The Air Force’s decision, however, is not the final step in this process. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), responsible for licensing commercial launches, will provide an independent record of decision based on its findings. According to Air Force officials, “the FAA will issue an independent ROD based on its conclusions,” ensuring that safety and environmental considerations remain paramount.
Strategic Importance of Vandenberg
Vandenberg Space Force Base serves as a critical launch site for missions targeting polar orbits, which are essential for Earth observation. The unique positioning of the base allows satellites to capture images of nearly all areas of the planet as they orbit from north to south.
Currently, SpaceX operates from four launch sites, including Vandenberg, Starbase in South Texas, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Starbase is particularly notable as the center for Starship manufacturing and testing, having hosted all 11 test flights of the ambitious megaproject to date.
As the landscape of private spaceflight evolves, the approval from the United States Air Force signifies a robust commitment to expanding commercial space activities. The increased launch capacity at Vandenberg could not only bolster SpaceX’s operational capabilities but also enhance the United States’ position in the global space race.
