


Did you know that Lompoc is the best vantage point for viewing rocket launches on the West Coast? Lompoc is your front-row seat to watch a rocket light up the morning sky and to feel the thunderous rumbling through the ground for miles around.
People come to Lompoc from far and wide… just to catch a glimpse of rockets glimmering as they reach out into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Vandenberg is host to many public and private aerospace entities including NASA, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and others. In fact, it’s the only military base in the United States that launches unmanned satellites into orbit - including 2018’s Mission to Mars and the IceSat 2.
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About Vandenberg Space Force Base
Vandenberg Space Force Base is one of the nation’s most important military and space installations, where unmanned test missiles and satellites are launched throughout the year.
Generally, missile launch days and times are released five days in advance, and are subject to change based on weather conditions and/or mechanical challenges. Call (805) 606-8263 for the latest info.
Upcoming Launches and Affiliated Events
Vandenberg Base Access and Tours
Vandenberg SFB is designated as a closed installation. However, the 30th Space Wing Public Affairs office hosts monthly visits to the Vandenberg Space and Missile Heritage Center at Historic Space Launch Complex-10 are on the third Tuesday of each month at 1 pm.
Space Launch Complex-10 is the only landmark at Vandenberg SFB to be listed on the national Registry of Historic Places. It is the site of Thor missile tests and Thor/Agena space launches.
The Space and Missile Heritage Center pulls together the history of SLC-10 and all west-coast launch programs as it tells the story of the critical role Vandenberg SFB plays in launching commercial, national security, and scientific polar-orbiting satellites. Vandenberg is the only west-coast spaceport and provides unique capabilities for assured access to and from space.
All participants in these monthly visits must register and provide full name, date of birth, and driver’s license number at least 15 days in advance by e-mailing 30SW.PA.Workflow@us.af.mil