Pentagon Plans to Boost SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches from 36 to 100 Annually at Vandenberg After Coastal Commission Rejection

Dec 20, 2024, 02:18 PM

The Pentagon has announced plans to increase SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch frequency at Vandenberg Space Force Base from 36 to 100 launches per year. This decision comes after the California Coastal Commission denied SpaceX's request for additional launches, citing unrelated political comments made by Elon Musk. A federal review is currently underway, with public meetings scheduled for next month and a final decision expected by fall 2024. The increase in launches is deemed essential for the U.S. military's capability to project power in space, especially as the demand for launches continues to rise. SpaceX is on track to dominate the satellite launch market, projecting to handle over 90% of all payloads to orbit this year.