New Launch Facility for Compact Rockets
The United States Space Force has announced the development of an additional launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, specifically designed for small and medium‑class rockets. The site aims to provide a cost‑effective and flexible launch option for a growing segment of the space industry.
The new area will be equipped with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure capable of supporting rockets with payloads up to 5,000 kilograms. By leveraging existing facilities, the Space Force intends to keep the operational costs lower than those of larger launch complexes.
Companies that previously struggled to find suitable launch sites for their vehicles may now benefit from the improved access. The Space Force highlighted that the new pad will offer more flexible scheduling and a shorter approval process.
This move is part of a broader strategy to boost civilian spaceflight and strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. aerospace sector. Further technical details and launch timelines are expected to be released in the coming weeks.