Space Force Seeks Industry Input on Vandenberg Mission Development Zone

The Space Force is soliciting industry feedback on plans to establish a new Mission Development Zone at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The zone would expand support for launch providers by adding payload processing capacity, test and assembly facilities, and potentially manufacturing infrastructure.

The service outlined the proposal as it looks to grow the range of capabilities available to launch providers operating at the installation. The effort centers on creating dedicated space to meet demand for additional processing and assembly resources.

Under the plan, the Mission Development Zone would give launch providers room for additional payload processing capacity as well as test and assembly facilities. The Space Force also indicated the zone could potentially house rocket and spacecraft manufacturing infrastructure on-site. The service is seeking industry feedback on the concept.

The proposal reflects the Space Force's intent to broaden launch support offerings at Vandenberg by consolidating processing, testing, assembly, and possible manufacturing functions within a single designated area.

The Space Force is now gathering responses from industry on the Mission Development Zone concept as it develops its plans for the facility.