Blue Origin moves toward launch at Vandenberg

COLORADO SPRINGS – Blue Origin moved a step closer to launching New Glenn rockets from Vandenberg Space Force Base with a U.S. Space Force decision to conduct final negotiations of a lease for Space Launch Complex (SLC)-14.

“By taking the next steps to further develop heavy and super-heavy space launch capabilities at SLC-14, we’re continuing to unleash our capacity to execute full-spectrum space operations for the nation,” Col. James Horn III, Space Force Space Launch Delta commander, said in an April 14 statement.

The Space Force issued a request for information in December to identify companies interested in launching heavy or super-heavy launch vehicles from SLC-14, an undeveloped site near the southern tip of the base.

Now, that Blue Origin has been selected to begin final negotiations of a lease, the Space Force will prepare to establish roads and other necessary infrastructure to provide access. Blue Origin, meanwhile, will invests in “developing their pad to enable launch as soon as possible,” Horn said at a Space Symposium press briefing.

The Space Force is eager to establish a heavy or super-heavy launch capability at Vandenberg to enable “the deployment of larger, more capable military satellites and facilitating rapid response missions during national security emergencies,” according to the Dec. 29 RFI. “Adding heavy/super-heavy launch capabilities at [Vandenberg Space Force Base] enhances resilience, diversifies the government’s portfolio, and accelerates satellite constellation reconstitution due to increased lift capacity.”

The Space Force evaluated RFI submissions and selected Blue Origin based in part on the technical maturity of its launch vehicle and the company’s financial viability. However, the Space Force’s “primary consideration is always national security,” Horn said, adding that New Glenn brings “critical capability.”

Horn declined to say when New Glenn is likely to begin launching from Vandenberg but said the process of establishing a new launch provider typically takes about two years.  

“We are going to move as quickly as we can while still doing the due diligence,” Horn said.

Blue Origin has conducted two New Glenn launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Kent, Washington-based company is preparing for a third launch.

“The pace at which they are maturing their technology is very encouraging,” Horn said.

Before construction of SLC-14 moves forward, Blue Origin will conduct an environmental impact assessment.

“We are good stewards of our resources while continuing to ensure assured access to space,” Horn said.