SpaceX Plans Major Expansion at Vandenberg to Boost West Coast Launches and Introduce Falcon Heavy Capability

The U.S. Department of the Air Force has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) outlining proposed modifications to Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6), the former Delta IV launch site previously operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA). The draft report opens a 45-day public comment period beginning May 23 and ending July 7, with a final decision expected in late 2025.

At the core of SpaceX’s proposal are three major changes:

• Modifying SLC-6 to accommodate both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches
• Constructing two new rocket landing pads near the complex
• Doubling the company’s allowable launch cadence from 50 to 100 missions per year at Vandenberg

The upgrades would involve extensive infrastructure overhauls, including modifications to the existing horizontal integration facility, additional commodity storage tanks, a transport road, and potentially the construction of a new 62,000-square-foot integration building north of the pad. In total, the ground system redesign would include 143,000 square feet of storage space for launch propellants such as liquid oxygen, RP-1, helium, and nitrogen.

“The Proposed Action is needed to meet current and near-term U.S. Government space launch requirements from the Western Range,” the EIS states, citing a growing need for medium and heavy-lift missions to polar and geostationary orbits. The modifications would also support national legislation aimed at enhancing commercial space launch cooperation.

The projected launch cadence from Vandenberg would increase steadily through 2028. By 2026, SpaceX expects to conduct 82 launches, including one Falcon Heavy mission. That number would rise to 100 launches in 2027 and 2028, with up to five Falcon Heavy missions annually.

SpaceX also plans to expand its landing operations. From 2026 to 2028, the company aims to conduct up to 12 landings per year at each of its West Coast landing zones—Landing Zone 4 and the newly proposed pads at SLC-6. Each new pad would be 280 feet in diameter with surrounding gravel aprons, covering a total footprint of 16 acres. A 50-foot-wide firebreak would also be constructed to connect the new facilities to nearby infrastructure.

The Air Force conducted an extensive analysis of potential environmental impacts, including water usage, noise, and effects on wildlife and cultural resources. Each Falcon Heavy launch is expected to use about 1.5 million gallons of water—significantly more than Falcon 9 launches—due to the larger flame trench at SLC-6. However, the EIS concluded the water usage would not significantly impact local resources.

The Federal Aviation Administration determined that noise levels from launches and landings would remain below significant impact thresholds, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that increased activity would not jeopardize any endangered species or critical habitats, provided monitoring continues.

Cultural and tribal consultation was also part of the environmental review. Although the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians raised concerns and requested a site visit, the EIS states that the Tribe had not scheduled a visit as of April 30. The base archaeologist concluded that the proposed actions would not affect any historic properties.

The expansion at Vandenberg plays a crucial role in SpaceX's broader goals to meet rising launch demands from commercial and government clients. This includes fulfilling contracts under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 program, with 19 missions still pending, and additional missions expected under Phase 3 through FY2029.

While the Phase 3 contract requires vertical payload integration capabilities on the East Coast, SpaceX has not yet implemented that feature at Launch Complex 39A in Florida. Nevertheless, the upgrades at SLC-6 would allow SpaceX to meet other key requirements, including enabling West Coast Falcon Heavy launches by 2030, potentially starting with a Phase 3 mission.

The Draft EIS is open for public comment through early July, with a final environmental assessment and a decision on the proposed expansion expected in fall 2025. More information on submitting comments and reviewing documents is available through official Air Force channels.

By Azhar