SpaceX Seeks Permission to Launch Falcon Heavy from California
In a move that could further boost the West Coast's space industry, SpaceX has submitted plans to launch its Falcon Heavy rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The proposal, which has been approved by the Department of the Air Force, would allow the company to double its annual launch rate at the base from 50 to 100 missions per year.
According to officials, the surge in rocket launches on the West Coast has been driven primarily by SpaceX's commercial Starlink broadband network and secret spy platforms for the US government. The company's plans to increase its launch frequency would make Vandenberg one of the busiest spaceports in the country.
"We're excited about the opportunity to expand our operations at Vandenberg," said a spokesperson for SpaceX. "Our goal is to provide reliable and efficient access to space for a wide range of customers, from commercial satellite operators to government agencies."
The proposed increase in launch frequency would require significant upgrades to the base's infrastructure, including new launch pads, control systems, and safety measures. The Department of the Air Force has given SpaceX permission to proceed with its plans, pending further review and approval.
Vandenberg Space Force Base has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with the number of orbital launches increasing from just one in 2017 to 51 this year. The base's location on California's Central Coast makes it an ideal spot for launching satellites into polar orbits, which are popular for Earth observation and other applications.
The growth of the space industry on the West Coast has been driven by a combination of factors, including the availability of launch facilities, favorable weather conditions, and government support. SpaceX's plans to increase its launch frequency at Vandenberg would further solidify the base's position as a major player in the global space industry.
Background
The Department of the Air Force has approved SpaceX's plans to launch up to 100 missions per year from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This would continue the tectonic turnaround at the spaceport on California's Central Coast, which has seen a significant increase in orbital launches in recent years.
Five years ago, Vandenberg hosted just one orbital launch. This year's number stands at 51 orbital flights, or 53 launches if you count a pair of Minuteman missile tests, the most in a single calendar year at Vandenberg since the early 1970s.
Additional Perspectives
Industry experts say that SpaceX's plans to increase its launch frequency at Vandenberg would have significant implications for the global space industry. "This is a major vote of confidence in the West Coast's ability to support the growing demand for commercial satellite launches," said one expert.
However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of increased rocket launches on the base. "We need to make sure that we're not sacrificing our environment for the sake of progress," said a local resident.
Current Status and Next Developments
The Department of the Air Force has given SpaceX permission to proceed with its plans, pending further review and approval. The company is expected to begin construction on new launch pads and infrastructure in the coming months, with the first Falcon Heavy launch from Vandenberg scheduled for 2024.
As the space industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: SpaceX's plans to increase its launch frequency at Vandenberg would make it one of the busiest spaceports in the country.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
