You may know Vandenberg Space Force Base as a premier site for rocket launches, but its roots tell a fascinating story of transformation. From humble beginnings as an Army camp in WWII to a cutting-edge space launch center today, Vandenberg’s evolution reflects America’s shifting military and space priorities over the decades.
Table of Contents
- The Beginning: Camp Cooke (1941)
- Air Force Takeover and Missile Testing (1957-1960s)
- Building Space Launch Complexes
- Historic Missile and Satellite Launches
- Formation of the 30th Space Wing
- Transition to Space Force and Space Launch Delta 30
- Today’s Role: A Gateway to Space
1. The Beginning: Camp Cooke (1941)
Originally established in August 1941, Camp Cooke served as a U.S. Army garrison near Lompoc, California. Its primary mission was to train armored, infantry, and artillery troops during World War II and again during the Korean War. The location was chosen for its remote environment and open land, ideal for large-scale military maneuvers and training.
Camp Cooke was a robust training site but went mostly inactive after the mid-1950s as the Army’s needs shifted.
2. Air Force Takeover and Missile Testing (1957–1960s)
In 1957, as the Cold War intensified and the space age dawned, the property was transferred to the newly independent U.S. Air Force. This marked the start of Vandenberg’s transition from ground forces training to missile and space operations.
The Air Force quickly recognized the strategic value of this remote coastal base for intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) testing and satellite launches, especially into polar orbits. This was critical because launches into polar orbit require trajectories that travel over unpopulated ocean areas to minimize risk.
Why the Name “Vandenberg”?
On October 4, 1958, the base was officially renamed Vandenberg Air Force Base to honor General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, the Air Force’s second Chief of Staff and a pioneer in strategic air command and missile development.
3. Building Space Launch Complexes
During the 1960s, Vandenberg expanded rapidly with the construction of several launch complexes designed to support various missile and space programs. Notable among these was Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6), originally built from 1966 for the secretive manned orbiting laboratory program.
The base included various other facilities to support different missile systems including Thor, Atlas, Titan, and Peacekeeper missiles, reflecting its key role in both national defense and space exploration.
4. Historic Missile and Satellite Launches
Vandenberg has hosted thousands of launches, including some of the most historic:
- The first missile launch from Vandenberg was a Thor Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) in December 1958.
- On February 28, 1959, the base launched Discoverer 1, the world’s first polar orbit satellite, marking the start of America’s photo reconnaissance satellite program.
- The base played vital roles in testing the Peacekeeper ICBM and numerous Atlas missile variants, crucial components of U.S. nuclear deterrence policy.
These achievements laid the groundwork for Vandenberg’s reputation as a leader in missile testing and space launch reliability.
5. Formation of the 30th Space Wing
By the 1990s, Vandenberg’s operations coalesced under the 30th Space Wing, which managed all launch and test activities. The wing directed major programs like the Air Force Space Shuttle program and Peacekeeper missile tests.
This organizational structure optimized operations, ensuring the base supported both military space missions and evolving civilian/government launch customers.
6. Transition to Space Force and Space Launch Delta 30
With the establishment of the United States Space Force in 2019, Vandenberg underwent a significant rebranding and organizational shift. On May 14, 2021, Vandenberg Air Force Base was officially redesignated as Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Concurrently, the 30th Space Wing was renamed Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD-30), aligning with other Space Force units that emphasize space launch as their core mission. This new designation reflects the Space Force’s aim to create a distinct identity separate from the Air Force.
“For 63 years, this has been an Air Force base… The moment is not lost on the people here that, when we plant the Space Force flag, so to speak, and we change that name, we’re going to begin a new chapter.”
– Col. Anthony Mastalir, 30th Space Wing Commander
7. Today’s Role: A Gateway to Space
Today, Vandenberg Space Force Base operates as the West Coast hub for space launches and missile testing. It supports a diverse range of missions for the Space Force, Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial partners.
The base’s capabilities include:
- Launching satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits, critical for Earth observation and reconnaissance.
- Testing and validating next-generation missile and rocket technologies.
- Serving as a premier commercial spaceport with increasing launch cadence and innovation.
In 2024, Vandenberg even achieved a historic milestone with over 50 launches, a level of activity not seen in over 50 years, underscoring its vital importance in American space operations.