US Space Force Seeks Industry Input to Develop Heavy, Super-Heavy Launch Complex at Vandenberg

The U.S. Space Force (USSF) has released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry input on the potential development of a space launch complex for heavy and super-heavy launch vehicle operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30) at Vandenberg Space Force Base announced the RFI on December 29, 2025, seeking input from U.S. launch service providers involved in space transportation services, according to a statement.

This will help develop heavy or super-heavy vertical space launch vehicle capabilities at Space Launch Complex-14 (SLC-14), located near Vandenberg’s southernmost point, the statement said.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the USSF to strengthen national security space capabilities and expand assured access to space, according to the statement. 

The Department of the Air Force (DAF), USSF, and SLD 30 are “ensuring the best use” of SLC-14  due to its “unique attributes” and the goal to maximize access to space in support of national security objectives, the RFI stated. 

The RFI termed SLC-14 as the “most viable site for large-scale heavy/super-heavy launch programs.” 

Launch vehicle classification by payload capacity, according to the RFI:

• Small: Less than 2,000 kg
• Medium: 2,000 to 20,000 kg
• Heavy: 20,000 to 50,000 kg
• Super heavy: More than 50,000 kg

The RFI invites launch service providers interested in securing a real property use agreement (lease) at SLC-14 to fund, design, construct, operate, and maintain space launch infrastructure.

The selected respondents will be responsible for all aspects of the development of the launch site. This includes developing infrastructure to support required launch capabilities that are integral for deploying larger military satellites, enhancing resilience, and accelerating satellite constellation reconstitution, according to Vandenberg’s statement.

Allocating SLC-14 for heavy and super-heavy launch vehicle development would benefit the space industry, economy, and national defense by enabling larger payloads, new mission architectures, reduced costs, and strategic advantages, according to the RFI.

The RFI is not governed by Federal Acquisition Regulation and does not constitute a request for proposal, a request for quote, nor a solicitation announcement, the RFI noted. 

Interested companies can submit responses to the RFI until February 12, 2026.

The RFI follows other recent developments at Vandenberg Space Force Base, where launch activity continues to increase. In October 2025, DAF approved SpaceX’s request to double launch operations at the space base, authorizing up to 100 Falcon rocket launches per year. 

The DAF also authorized SpaceX to build a new hangar between the horizontal integration facility and Space Launch Complex 6 to support rocket integration and processing.