Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 14
Interactive map of Space Launch Complex 14 | |||||||||
| Launch site | Vandenberg Space Force Base | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | 34°33′30″N 120°34′47″W / 34.558304°N 120.579667°W | ||||||||
| Time zone | UTC−08:00 (PST) | ||||||||
• Summer (DST) | UTC−07:00 (PDT) | ||||||||
| Short name | SLC-14 | ||||||||
| Operator | United States Space Force (owner) Blue Origin (tenant) | ||||||||
| Orbital inclination range | 51° – 145° | ||||||||
| |||||||||
4.3miles
Space Launch Complex 14 (SLC-14) is a planned launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, United States. As of 2026 it is undeveloped but is leased to Blue Origin for future use in the support of New Glenn launches.[1]
History
Space Launch Complex 14 first saw its origins in the early 2020s, when Blue Origin looked into leasing a launch site at Vandenberg in order to give New Glenn, which was still in development at the time, the ability to launch into polar orbit and Sun-synchronous orbit. They initially had their eyes focused on Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6), historically intended to launch the Manned Orbiting Laboratory and the Space Shuttle for the United States Air Force, which was in the process of deactivation thanks to United Launch Alliance's 2022 retirement of the Delta IV and Delta IV Heavy from the Western Range.[2] However, any proposal was cancelled in April 2023, when the United States Space Force leased SLC-6 to SpaceX as a second West Coast launch site for Falcon 9 (joining SLC-4E) with the option to support Falcon Heavy launches.[3]
Sometime later in the year, documents written by the Space Force and California Coastal Commission reported that Blue Origin planned to construct an entirely new launch pad for New Glenn at Vandenberg named Space Launch Complex 9 (SLC-9), located in the Lompoc Terrace area nearby Space Launch Complex 3.[4][5] However, a spokesperson for Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30) clarified in December 2025 that the company did not possess any grant or lease at that time.[6]
On December 29, 2025, SLD 30 announced a request for information regarding interest to develop SLC-14 as a pad for use by super heavy-lift launch vehicles.[7][8] This decision was part of a wider-scale expansion of launch pad operations at the base by the Space Force, as most existing pads were either already leased or were too close to one being used.[9] The Space Force officially selected Blue Origin for the lease on April 14, 2026, with SLD 30 commander Col. James Horne III elaborating that SLC-14 could see its maiden launch in 2028 assuming no issues occur.[10]
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-14.[9] As of April 2026, construction of the complex has not yet commenced.
See also
References
- ^ "Staff Report" (PDF). California Coastal Commission. November 30, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ Berger, Eric [@SciGuySpace] (April 10, 2023). "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" (Tweet). Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ Bergin, Chris (April 27, 2023). "SpaceX SLC-6 takeover to mark a new chapter for a famous pad". Retrieved October 19, 2024.
- ^ Space Launch Delta 30 (February 2025). "Draft: Environmental Assessment for Culvert 10 Repairs at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California" (PDF). vandenberg.spaceforce.mil. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
- ^ "W10a" (PDF). California Coastal Commission. June 12, 2024. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
- ^ Foust, Jeff (December 30, 2025). "Space Force offers new Vandenberg launch site". SpaceNews. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
- ^ "Dept. of the Air Force opens bidding for Space Launch Complex 14 at Vandenberg SFB – Spaceflight Now". Retrieved April 14, 2026.
- ^ "Sam Acquisition 360". sam.gov. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
- ^ a b "NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 Industry Day". Space and Missile Systems Center. August 20, 2024. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
- ^ Staff, KSBY (April 14, 2026). "U.S. Space Force selects Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin for Vandenberg site". KSBY News. Retrieved April 14, 2026.