SpaceX has received official approval from the U.S. Air Force to double its annual launch capacity from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a major expansion of its West Coast operations.
The authorization allows SpaceX to conduct up to 100 launches per year, up from the previous cap of 50, and introduces permission to launch and land its Falcon Heavy rocket from the site for the first time.
The approval to double the number of launches in California follows a similar decision earlier this year on the other side of the country. In February the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved SpaceX to increase its yearly Falcon 9 missions from 50 to as many as 120 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The California decision was announced by Space Launch Delta 30 this week. Under the new approval, SpaceX will be able to launch both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets from its two pads — Space Launch Complex 4 (SLC-4) and Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6).
The Air Force will also allow up to five Falcon Heavy launches and landings annually at SLC-6, which will undergo modifications to accommodate both vehicles. (via Aviation Week)
As part of the expansion, SpaceX plans to build a new hangar to support rocket integration and processing activities. The new facility will be located south of the company’s existing horizontal integration building.
According to the Air Force, the decision to increase SpaceX’s launch capacity supports national defense and commercial needs, “specifically for medium- and heavy-lift launches to polar and other orbits less reliably available elsewhere without compromising current launch capabilities.”
The approval follows months of environmental review. The Air Force began work on an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in January to assess potential effects of increasing launch and landing rates and redevelopment for Falcon Heavy operations.
The plan faced opposition from the California Coastal Commission, which voted to reject SpaceX’s proposal earlier this year due to concerns over increased noise, air pollution, and effects on local wildlife. However, as a federal military installation, Vandenberg’s operations ultimately fall under Air Force jurisdiction, giving the military the authority to override the state commission’s objections.
