Where the West Coast Reaches for Orbit
For nearly 70 years, rockets, satellites, and missile systems have launched from the rugged coastline just west of Lompoc, helping shape everything from national security and weather forecasting to GPS navigation and space exploration. The Space and Missile Technology Center at Vandenberg Space Force Base offers a rare opportunity to step inside that story and discover why this corner of California is known as Space Country.
"There's a lot of history on Vandenberg, and this is the one place you can go to see it all."
– Museum Director Christopher Ryan
Why Visit?
Lompoc sits at the doorstep of Vandenberg Space Force Base, the only spot in the country that fires south over open ocean, which is how a spacecraft slips into polar orbit and ends up passing over every part of the planet as it turns beneath.
Located just minutes from downtown Lompoc, the Space and Missile Technology Center brings that history to life through authentic artifacts and exhibits illustrating the decades of innovation that helped launch America into the Space Age.
Explore the legacies of missile programs like Thor, Atlas, Titan, Minuteman, and Peacekeeper, then watch most of those same missiles get a second life as the rockets that carried satellites to space.
Stand inches from just some of the historic technology that once sat at the forefront of scientific discovery. Whether you're fascinated by rockets, military history, engineering, or space exploration, you'll find something remarkable around every corner.
What You'll See
Rocket Engines & Missile Systems
Explore the evolution of America's strategic missile programs, including Thor, Atlas, Titan, Peacekeeper. and Minuteman systems that helped define an era of technological advancement.
Launch Technology
Get an up-close look at launch consoles, tracking systems, launch pad models, and the equipment used to support decades of missions from California's Central Coast.
The Cold War and Beyond
Follow the story of Vandenberg through the Cold War, the space race, and today, when commercial spaceflight through the U.S. Space Force’s Commercial Space Strategy supports national security.
The Evolution of Space Exploration
Discover how technology developed for missile programs paved the way for weather satellites, GPS systems, scientific research missions, and modern space operations.
Lompoc is the Heart of Space Country, California
Long before it became home to rocket launches, the site of Vandenberg Space Force Base was known as Camp Cooke, a World War II Army training facility established in 1941.
Everything changed in 1958 when the installation became Vandenberg Air Force Base and launched its first missile—a Thor Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM). Just months later, Vandenberg launched the world's first satellite into polar orbit, opening a new chapter in space exploration.
In May 2021, the base became Vandenberg Space Force Base and its host wing became Space Launch Delta 30. Today, more than 2,000 launches later, Vandenberg remains America's premier West Coast launch site and the nation's gateway to polar orbit.
"The Central Coast—Lompoc, Santa Maria, the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, Buellton—this is space country."
– VSFB Commander Col. James T. Horne III.
Make Lompoc Your Launch Pad
Few places in the world have played a larger role in the history of space and missile technology than Vandenberg Space Force Base. But the Space and Missile Technology Center is just one part of the story.
While you're here, explore Lompoc's colorful murals, discover the region's rich history at La Purisima Mission, sip award-winning wines in the Sta. Rita Hills, stroll through seasonal flower fields, or head to the coast for breathtaking ocean views.
Space Launch Delta 30, which oversees all military, civil, and commercial space launch operations on the West Coast, hosts launches from major commercial space companies and aerospace organizations like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance. Missile test launches still arc out over the Pacific Ocean and NASA payloads ride to orbit from the same ground that started it all.
From 50 to 100 launches happen every year at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Stay in Lompoc for a few days, and you may even catch a rocket launch streaking into the sky above the Pacific.
Plan Your Visit
The Space and Missile Technology Center is located on Vandenberg Space Force Base and welcomes civilian visitors through scheduled tours and public access opportunities. We recommend visitors schedule one to two hours to explore the museum.
Museum Hours Summer 2026
- Anytime by appointment (recommended) (includes weekends)
- Thursdays and Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00 to 5:00
- September 25 (Fri) and 26 (Sat): National Public Lands Days at SAMTEC
Periods of No Availability:
June 19, July 4 and 5, August 2 through 5, August 14, September 6 through 13
Plan Your Visit
The Space and Missile Technology Center is located on Vandenberg Space Force Base and welcomes civilian visitors through scheduled tours and public access opportunities. We recommend visitors schedule one to two hours to explore the museum.
SAMTEC is open to the public by appointment year-round, with regular walk-in hours Thursdays and Fridays (plus seasonal Saturdays) at its Marshallia Ranch location west of Lompoc.
Museum Hours Summer 2026
- Anytime by appointment (recommended) (includes weekends)
- Thursdays and Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00 to 5:00
- September 25 (Fri) and 26 (Sat): National Public Lands Days at SAMTEC
Periods of No Availability:
June 19, July 4 and 5, August 2 through 5, August 14, September 6 through 13
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