Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) on California’s central coast continues to be one of America’s busiest space launch centers. It is where military, commercial, and scientific missions are launched, especially those that need polar or sun-synchronous orbits, Vandenberg currently has a busy schedule of multiple significant launches that will expand satellite constellations. So, let’s see the schedule of Vandenberg that will push the boundaries of science, and enable national security as of March 2025.
Recent and Upcoming Launches: X-37B Spaceplane Returns
The US Air Force’s X-37B spaceplane returned on March 7, 2025, concluding its 434-day orbital journey and landing safely at Vandenberg. Launched on a Falcon Heavy rocket in December 2023, the mission was designated as United States Space Force-52 (USSF-52). The X-37B carried out clandestine experiments and technology demonstrations, advancing the exploration of reusable space vehicles.
Transporter-13 Mission
Third in order on the calendar is the SpaceX Transporter-13 rideshare mission of 9 March 2025, from the Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E). Transporters offer cost-effective access to orbit for small satellites, with hundreds of payloads for commercial, governmental, and research entities hitching a ride without charge. Earth observation, monitoring weather, and scientific research fit well into Sun-synchronous orbits.
Starlink Expansion from Vandenberg
SpaceX will launch the Starlink Group 11-7 mission from Vandenberg in late March. The mission will expand its global broadband internet constellation with yet another addition of Starlink V2 Mini satellites. The satellites will be placed in sun-synchronous orbit, which will enhance high-latitude areas such as Alaska, Canada, and northern Europe.
Major Launch Infrastructure at Vandenberg
The Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) is now one of the busiest launch pads for firing up Falcon 9 rockets. Originally built to support Titan rockets, the launch pad was converted to serve SpaceX’s increasing number of launches. The launch site has seen use in national defense missions, deployments of scientific payloads, and insertions of commercial satellites.
Regulatory Challenges and Future Developments
While more significant, Vandenberg has faced regulatory issues. The California Coastal Commission in October 2024 rejected a plan that would allow 50 SpaceX launches each year from the base. Among the reasons were environmental concerns, the disturbance of wildlife, and the redesignation of SpaceX as a military base. Controversies around Elon Musk’s political statements also led to limiting launch permits by the commission.
NASA’s Future Missions from Vandenberg
IMAP Mission – April 2025
NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, or IMAP, flies out in April of 2025 from Vandenberg aboard a Falcon 9. The mission observes the heliosphere, a zone in which the interstellar medium comes in contact with solar wind. IMAP carries two other payloads along with it to monitor solar activity and space weather: GLIDE and Solar Cruiser.
TRACERS Mission – April 13, 2025
No earlier than April 13, 2025, the Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission will monitor Earth’s magnetosphere. TRACERS will be observing regions where Earth’s magnetic field meets the solar wind, allowing scientists to improve their understanding of space weather and its potential to affect satellites and power grids.
The Future of Vandenberg’s Launch Operations
Although regulation poses challenges to Vandenberg’s future, everything is going to be fine. The base forms a central pillar in national security satellite launches, commercial payload launches, and exploration of deep space missions. SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and other space companies still make investments in increasing launch capability so that Vandenberg is at the forefront of the space industry.
With missions such as Starlink expansion, NASA’s IMAP, and TRACERS, Vandenberg Space Force Base will continue to be a vital launch site for the world space industry. The coming months will be busy, charting the future of space exploration and connectivity.
