Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 9 Explained

Space Launch Complex 9
Short:SLC-9
Inclination:51° – 145°
Time Zone:PST
Time Zone Dst:PDT
Operator:United States Space Force
Location:34.6576°N -120.5906°W
Site:Vandenberg Space Force Base
Paddetails:
Designation:SLC-9
Status:Greenfield, awaiting construction for Blue Origin
Launches:0
Rockets:New Glenn (future)

Space Launch Complex 9 (SLC-9) is a planned launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, United States. Currently a greenfield, it is leased to Blue Origin as part of their plans to have a Western Range site for their New Glenn launch vehicle, joining Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral.[1] The origins of the pad were first seen in 2023, when Blue Origin looked into leasing the nearby Space Launch Complex 6 for New Glenn,[2] but the site was ultimately leased to SpaceX for use by Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.[3] As of June 2024, the consistency determination process between the United States Space Force, California Coastal Commission, and Blue Origin is ongoing.[4] As per updated policy by the Space and Missile Systems Center, Blue Origin will be required to use their own equipment during the construction of SLC-9.[5]

References

  1. Web site: 30 November 2023 . Staff Report . 31 August 2024 . California Coastal Commission.
  2. 1645502085297840143 . SciGuySpace . I'm hearing that Blue Origin is working to take over SLC-6 at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Won't happen until after the Delta IV Heavy is officially retired. Would give New Glenn a West coast launch pad. . Eric . Berger . 10 April 2023 . 3 November 2024.
  3. News: Bergin . Chris . 2023-04-27 . SpaceX SLC-6 takeover to mark a new chapter for a famous pad . 2024-10-19 . en-US.
  4. Web site: 12 June 2024 . W10a . 25 October 2024 . California Coastal Commission.
  5. Web site: 20 August 2024 . NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 Industry Day . 25 October 2024 . Space and Missile Systems Center.