SpaceX has plans to launch Falcon Heavy from California—if anyone wants it to

SpaceX is poised for a significant expansion, with the Department of the Air Force granting approval for the company to conduct up to 100 launches annually from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This marks a dramatic shift for the spaceport, which just five years ago managed a mere single orbital launch. In 2023 alone, Vandenberg has already hosted 51 orbital flights, a figure that rises to 53 when including two Minuteman missile tests. This surge represents the highest number of launches in a single year for the base since the early 1970s. The facility is strategically utilized for missions targeting polar orbits, which travel north-south and can effectively cover most of the Earth's surface. Such orbits are particularly favored for Earth observation satellites. The increase in West Coast rocket activity has largely been fueled by SpaceX, which has been instrumental in deploying satellites for its commercial Starlink broadband network, alongside classified missions for the US government. With the recent authorization from military officials, SpaceX is set to double its launch rate from 50 to 100 missions annually at Vandenberg, comprising up to 95 flights of the Falcon 9 and as many as five launches of the larger Falcon Heavy. This expansion is backed by a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) issued by the Department of the Air Force, culminating in a “Record of Decision” signed on October 10 that endorses the modifications to the Falcon launch program at Vandenberg, located about 140 miles northwest of Los Angeles along the Pacific Ocean. However, the increase in commercial launches is still pending a separate assessment by the Federal Aviation Administration. Complications arise from the California Coastal Commission, which has previously rejected SpaceX's request to double the launch frequency due to concerns over noise pollution affecting local communities and wildlife. This ongoing dispute with the commission adds an element of uncertainty to the expansion plans. Meanwhile, the Air Force maintains that the elevated launch cadence is crucial for U.S. national security, asserting that the launch facilities are on federal land.