What's Happening?
The U.S. Space Force is exploring the expansion of its launch capabilities at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Space Launch Delta 30 has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to U.S. commercial
launch providers to develop Space Launch Complex-14 (SLC-14) for heavy and super-heavy vertical launch vehicles. This initiative aims to address current gaps in Vandenberg's infrastructure, which presently supports medium and heavy vehicles but lacks facilities for true heavy (20,000-50,000 kg to low Earth orbit) or super-heavy (more than 50,000 kg) programs. The development of SLC-14 would make it the first dedicated super-heavy launch complex on the West Coast. Qualified providers are expected to finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain the facilities, covering all development and compliance costs in exchange for a fair-market-value lease.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of launch capabilities at Vandenberg is crucial for enhancing the U.S. Space Force's strategic advantage. It allows for the deployment of larger, more capable military satellites and facilitates rapid response missions during national security emergencies. The addition of heavy and super-heavy launch capabilities enhances resilience, diversifies the government's portfolio, and accelerates satellite constellation reconstitution due to increased lift capacity. This development supports the Space Force's 'Race to Resilience' initiative by ensuring assured access to space for national security, federal, and commercial payloads, particularly in polar and sun-synchronous orbits. These orbits provide global coverage for missile warning and intelligence satellites, as well as consistent lighting conditions for Earth observation and reconnaissance.
What's Next?
Interested providers are required to submit their responses to the RFI by February 12, 2026. The development of SLC-14 is expected to align with broader priorities for maintaining space superiority in increasingly contested domains. By diversifying launch sites and providers, the Space Force aims to reduce single-point vulnerabilities in the national space launch infrastructure, allowing for quicker recovery from adversarial actions or technical failures. This initiative also facilitates the deployment of proliferated constellations and hybrid military-commercial systems, which are key elements of resilient space operations as outlined in recent doctrine.
