Falcon Launch Program at Vandenberg Space Force Base

Notice of Record of Decision for the Environmental Impact Statement for Authorizing Changes to the Falcon Launch Program at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California

The Department of the Air Force signed a Record of Decision on October 10, 2025, authorizing changes to the Falcon Launch Program at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The ROD increases the annual Falcon launch cadence from 50 Falcon 9 launches per year at SLC-4 to up to 100 launches per year for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy combined across SLC-4 and SLC-6. Falcon Heavy, not previously launched from VSFB, will launch and land up to five times per year at SLC-6. SpaceX is authorized to construct a new hangar between the HIF and SLC-6 to support integration and processing of both vehicle types.

Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Authorizing Changes to the Falcon Launch Program at Vandenberg Space Force Base

The Department of the Air Force issued a Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS evaluating SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch and landing operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The Proposed Action would authorize redevelopment of Space Launch Complex 6 to support those operations, increase Falcon 9 launches from SLC-4, and allow downrange droneship landings in the Pacific Ocean, reaching a combined cadence of 100 launches per year. The FAA and U.S. Coast Guard are cooperating agencies. Three alternatives (Proposed Action, Alternative 1, and No Action) will be analyzed. Potential impacts include noise, air quality, hazardous materials, biological resources, cultural resources, and wetlands disturbance. The Draft EIS is anticipated in March 2025.