Historic Vandenberg Launch Site Cleared for SpaceX Use
Space Launch Complex-6 (SLC-6) at Vandenberg Space Force Station, a site with decades of history, has been cleared of its old support infrastructure. Demolition charges on June 16, 2026, brought down the access tower, mobile service tower, and assembly building at the Southern California complex. This action paves the way for SpaceX to utilize SLC-6 for its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions.
Space Launch Complex-6 (SLC-6) at Vandenberg Space Force Station in Southern California has undergone a significant transformation, with its decades-old support towers and assembly building being demolished. The demolition, which included the access tower, mobile service tower, and the remaining assembly building, occurred on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, through a series of controlled charges.
SLC-6 holds a storied past, arguably better known for the missions that never launched from its pad. It was originally intended as the launch location for the U.S. Air Force's initial attempts to send humans into space and later served as the West Coast launch site for the space shuttle program.
The removal of the antiquated infrastructure marks a modernization effort to prepare the complex for contemporary space operations. Moving forward, SLC-6 will be utilized by SpaceX for its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rocket missions.
Col. James T. Horne III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30 at Vandenberg, commented on the development, stating, "Space Launch Complex-6 represents six decades of American innovation and our unwavering commitment to securing space superiority." He added, "By modernizing this historic footprint in partnership with our defense industrial base, we are building directly upon the foundation of our pioneers."
According to Ars Technica, this clearance ensures the launch site is ready to support the next generation of space missions.
