I could see SpaceX buying them.
Quote from: StarshipSLS on 05/23/2021 11:08 pmI could see SpaceX buying them.Buying is not an option as they are owned by the government and Space Florida manages the marketing and leasing process for the government at CCSFS and PSC-C does the same for VSFB. USSF oversees the vetting process and other functions.
Why wouldn't ULA just retain them and modify for Vulcan?
Any info yet on what will happen to pads 37B and SLC-6 after Delta IVH is retired? Modify for Vulcan? Mothballed? Demolished? Sold to any interested company (Space-X, Blue Origin)?Thx
Quote from: tyrred on 05/24/2021 04:03 am Why wouldn't ULA just retain them and modify for Vulcan?I thought ULA was trying to downsize to only 2 pads - on on the East, one on the West. I don't know off the top of my head which pads, but that is what I've been hearing over the past several years.
uttle and Titan IIIC were to have used Space Launch Complex 6, but were never launched from that site, so it wasn't until the 1990s that it was used for the Athena rocket, before transitioning to the Delta IV and Delta IV Heavy. Since ULA pledged in 2015 that it would downsize to one launch base at Vandenberg Space Force Base, when the final Delta IV Heavy from Vandenberg is carried out, then Vandenberg SFB could be modified to accommodate either the Falcon Heavy or Starship.It's possible that Cape Canaveral SLC-37B could be used for either the Falcon or Starship, because SLC-40 was formerly operated by the US Air Force for launches of the Titan rocket until the Titan's retirement in 2005, and has been used since 2010 for launches of the Falcon rocket.
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 09/16/2021 02:26 amuttle and Titan IIIC were to have used Space Launch Complex 6, but were never launched from that site, so it wasn't until the 1990s that it was used for the Athena rocket, before transitioning to the Delta IV and Delta IV Heavy. Since ULA pledged in 2015 that it would downsize to one launch base at Vandenberg Space Force Base, when the final Delta IV Heavy from Vandenberg is carried out, then Vandenberg SFB could be modified to accommodate either the Falcon Heavy or Starship.It's possible that Cape Canaveral SLC-37B could be used for either the Falcon or Starship, because SLC-40 was formerly operated by the US Air Force for launches of the Titan rocket until the Titan's retirement in 2005, and has been used since 2010 for launches of the Falcon rocket.no and no
no and no
Quote from: Jim on 09/16/2021 01:57 pmQuote from: Vahe231991 on 09/16/2021 02:26 amuttle and Titan IIIC were to have used Space Launch Complex 6, but were never launched from that site, so it wasn't until the 1990s that it was used for the Athena rocket, before transitioning to the Delta IV and Delta IV Heavy. Since ULA pledged in 2015 that it would downsize to one launch base at Vandenberg Space Force Base, when the final Delta IV Heavy from Vandenberg is carried out, then Vandenberg SFB could be modified to accommodate either the Falcon Heavy or Starship.It's possible that Cape Canaveral SLC-37B could be used for either the Falcon or Starship, because SLC-40 was formerly operated by the US Air Force for launches of the Titan rocket until the Titan's retirement in 2005, and has been used since 2010 for launches of the Falcon rocket.no and noSo....what then?Abandon in Place?Demolish so just the pavement remains?Put up the FOR LEASE sign?
Quote from: Jim on 09/16/2021 01:57 pmno and noYeah, that's what I meant. No? You meant something else entirely? Oh, yeah I get it now. Wait, maybe not...Well. As stated before, I (and I'm probably not the only one) would like you to... well... expand a bit based on your vast knowledge (no sarcasm, no irony). It would help us not in the know immensely.I appreciate your effort.
Why not? It's up to Space Force you said. Thanks for elaborating.
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)? Since ULA has already planned to use just one facility at Vandenberg SFB, I would imagine that the USSF will begin demolishing the SLC-6 launch site a few months after the NROL-91 is launched.
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 05/02/2022 09:34 pmGiven that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)? Since ULA has already planned to use just one facility at Vandenberg SFB, I would imagine that the USSF will begin demolishing the SLC-6 launch site a few months after the NROL-91 is launched.I thought SLC-3E would be modified for West Coast Vulcan missions.
... but no planned Vulcan missions have yet been assigned for operation from SLC-3E.
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 05/02/2022 10:32 pm... but no planned Vulcan missions have yet been assigned for operation from SLC-3E. hmmm
The Space Shuttle and Titan IIIC were to have used Space Launch Complex 6 ....
Maybe Below Orbit Blue Origin might considering leasing pad SLC-6 for west coast launches of the New Glenn. More like squatting on the pad to denied it use to other launch providers.
Quote from: Newton_V on 05/02/2022 10:56 pmQuote from: Vahe231991 on 05/02/2022 10:32 pm... but no planned Vulcan missions have yet been assigned for operation from SLC-3E. hmmmI guess you mean that some of the Kuiper missions will be flying from Vandenberg! :-)
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?
Quote from: ZachS09 on 05/02/2022 10:19 pmQuote from: Vahe231991 on 05/02/2022 09:34 pmGiven that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)? Since ULA has already planned to use just one facility at Vandenberg SFB, I would imagine that the USSF will begin demolishing the SLC-6 launch site a few months after the NROL-91 is launched.I thought SLC-3E would be modified for West Coast Vulcan missions.The US Space Force plans to modify launch pad SLC-3E for the Vulcan rocket,
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 05/02/2022 09:34 pmGiven that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?no.
Quote from: Jim on 05/05/2022 08:35 pmQuote from: Vahe231991 on 05/02/2022 09:34 pmGiven that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?no.Has there ever been a "closing ceremony" for a rockets last launch (ignoring shuttle)?
NRO @NatReconOfcLAUNCH UPDATE: #NROL91 is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg SFB (@SLdelta30) on a @ulalaunchDelta IV Heavy September 24. This is the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the #WestCoast, don’t miss out! #AboveandBeyond #LastButNotLeast
Quote from: deadman1204 on 05/11/2022 02:30 pmQuote from: Jim on 05/05/2022 08:35 pmQuote from: Vahe231991 on 05/02/2022 09:34 pmGiven that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?no.Has there ever been a "closing ceremony" for a rockets last launch (ignoring shuttle)?No
Gonna be sad this old rust-bucket won't be used again.
Quote from: Jim on 05/11/2022 02:49 pmQuote from: deadman1204 on 05/11/2022 02:30 pmQuote from: Jim on 05/05/2022 08:35 pmQuote from: Vahe231991 on 05/02/2022 09:34 pmGiven that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?no.Has there ever been a "closing ceremony" for a rockets last launch (ignoring shuttle)?NoWasn't there a ceremony of sorts when the last "classic Atlas" launched from SLC-36? I seem to remember something to that effect when SLC-36 hosted its launch launch.
Quote from: DaveS on 08/24/2022 10:34 pmQuote from: Jim on 05/11/2022 02:49 pmQuote from: deadman1204 on 05/11/2022 02:30 pmQuote from: Jim on 05/05/2022 08:35 pmQuote from: Vahe231991 on 05/02/2022 09:34 pmGiven that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?no.Has there ever been a "closing ceremony" for a rockets last launch (ignoring shuttle)?NoWasn't there a ceremony of sorts when the last "classic Atlas" launched from SLC-36? I seem to remember something to that effect when SLC-36 hosted its launch launch.What is the "classic Atlas" you refer to? The Atlas II or Atlas III?
[Gary Wentz] said ULA did not see a need to keep two launch pads on the West Coast. “From a business perspective, it was appropriate for us to use SLC-3 because there was a lot of commonality between Atlas and Vulcan systems.”
From SpaceNews:Quote[Gary Wentz] said ULA did not see a need to keep two launch pads on the West Coast. “From a business perspective, it was appropriate for us to use SLC-3 because there was a lot of commonality between Atlas and Vulcan systems.”Wentz reaffirms previous statements that SLC-6 is set for dismantlement and that ULA needs only one launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 09/24/2022 04:09 pmFrom SpaceNews:Quote[Gary Wentz] said ULA did not see a need to keep two launch pads on the West Coast. “From a business perspective, it was appropriate for us to use SLC-3 because there was a lot of commonality between Atlas and Vulcan systems.”Wentz reaffirms previous statements that SLC-6 is set for dismantlement and that ULA needs only one launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base. No, ULA is only vacating SLC-6. The 30th SLD is looking for other users. They will determine if it is to be dismantled.
. In particular, the SLC-6 was intended for space shuttle launches when construction of it began, but safety concerns meant that the Space Shuttle never used the SLC-6 launch pad as a secondary launch site and the facility was eventually used to support launches of the Athena rocket.
Does anyone know who owns the Ground Service Equipment at SLC 6? There is some interesting stuff there.
SPACE LAUNCH DELTA 30 TO LEASE SPACE LAUNCH COMPLEX 6 TO SPACE XApril 24th, 2023Col. Rob Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, signed a statement of support on April 21, 2023, granting SpaceX permission to lease Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) for Falcon rocket launches.SLC-6 previously supported the Delta IV vehicle family and has remained vacant since the final Delta IV Heavy launch on Sept. 24, 2022.The decision is the result of SLD 30's launch pad allocation strategy, which is a process to evaluate the suitability of various launch sites for different types of rockets and payloads. The process is critical to ensuring that launches are safe, and that the selected launch site can accommodate the unique requirements of each mission. This was the first round of launch pad allocations, and additional rounds of allocations will occur in the future after further operational analysis."This is an exciting time for Vandenberg Space Force Base, our nation's premier West Coast launch site for military, civil and commercial space operations," said Col. Rob Long, SLD 30 commander. "This agreement will add to the rich history of SLC-6 and builds on the already strong partnership with SpaceX."
SpaceX will take over SLC-6:QuoteSPACE LAUNCH DELTA 30 TO LEASE SPACE LAUNCH COMPLEX 6 TO SPACE XApril 24th, 2023Col. Rob Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, signed a statement of support on April 21, 2023, granting SpaceX permission to lease Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) for Falcon rocket launches.SLC-6 previously supported the Delta IV vehicle family and has remained vacant since the final Delta IV Heavy launch on Sept. 24, 2022.The decision is the result of SLD 30's launch pad allocation strategy, which is a process to evaluate the suitability of various launch sites for different types of rockets and payloads. The process is critical to ensuring that launches are safe, and that the selected launch site can accommodate the unique requirements of each mission. This was the first round of launch pad allocations, and additional rounds of allocations will occur in the future after further operational analysis."This is an exciting time for Vandenberg Space Force Base, our nation's premier West Coast launch site for military, civil and commercial space operations," said Col. Rob Long, SLD 30 commander. "This agreement will add to the rich history of SLC-6 and builds on the already strong partnership with SpaceX."