Vandenberg Space Force Base set a new record in 2025 with 71 launches, 64 of them led by SpaceX. The company flew its Falcon 9 more than 60 times—mostly to deploy Starlink satellites—drawing crowds across Southern California. Officials expect more than 80 launches in 2026 and note SpaceX is authorized for up to 100 Falcon-family flights from Vandenberg in a single year. Modifications to SLC-6 mean Falcon Heavy’s West Coast debut is more likely in 2027 than 2026.
Vandenberg’s Banner Year: 71 Launches in 2025 — What’s Next for California’s Space Hub?
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Jan. 2 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base carrying the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite to low-Earth orbit on behalf of the Italian Space Agency.
California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base closed out 2025 with a record-breaking year for rocket activity, and officials say an even busier launch cadence could be on the horizon for 2026.
SpaceX dominated operations at the Santa Barbara County site, accounting for roughly 90% of launches. The company’s 230-foot Falcon 9 flew more than 60 times from Vandenberg in 2025, primarily to deploy batches of Starlink internet satellites. Crowds across Southern California — and visitors who traveled as far as Arizona — regularly gathered to watch the boosters climb into the sky.
Record Year, Growing Momentum
Managed by Space Launch Delta 30 and established in 1941, Vandenberg balances military, civil and commercial missions. A SpaceX launch on Oct. 3 pushed the year’s tally past California’s 2024 statewide record of 51 launches. By year-end Vandenberg reported 71 launches in 2025, 64 of which were led by SpaceX, according to a Space Launch Delta 30 spokesperson.
“This milestone underscores Vandenberg’s role as a critical node for national defense — not just a launch base, but a hub for innovation, advanced testing, and assured access to space,” the base said in a social post.
Outlook For 2026
Officials estimate the base could support more than 80 launches in 2026. SpaceX has authorization to fly rockets in its Falcon family from Vandenberg up to 100 times in one year, giving the company room to increase cadence if demand and scheduling allow.
Vehicles And Infrastructure
The Falcon 9 — Vandenberg’s workhorse — launches from Space Launch Complex 4 and can carry roughly 50,000 pounds (about 23 metric tons) to low-Earth orbit, according to SpaceX. In addition to commercial satellite deployments, the vehicle supports some human spaceflight missions with NASA.
Space Launch Delta 30 has also been preparing Vandenberg to host larger vehicles. Falcon Heavy, which combines three reusable Falcon 9 cores and 27 Merlin engines, produces more than 5 million pounds of thrust at liftoff and can lift nearly 64 metric tons (about 141,000 pounds) to orbit. Work to modify Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) to support Falcon Heavy operations is ongoing; the base says a West Coast Falcon Heavy maiden from Vandenberg is more likely in 2027 than 2026.
What This Means
The surge in commercial launches signals a shift toward more routine access to space from California’s West Coast. Increased activity supports national security, commercial connectivity (through constellations like Starlink), and local economic benefits tied to launch operations and tourism. As Vandenberg upgrades infrastructure for heavier-lift rockets, the base is positioning itself for a broader mix of missions in the coming years.
Reporter: Eric Lagatta, Space Connect, USA TODAY Network. Contact: elagatta@gannett.com
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