Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. -- A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink 17-32 mission launches from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Feb. 2, 2026. This mission marked the seventh launch of 2026 from the Vandenberg spaceport and test range.
Each launch approved at Vandenberg SFB is designated by the federal government to strengthen national security, advance economic growth and achieve critical national space objectives.
As a vital hub for space access and advanced air and space testing, Vandenberg SFB plays a critical role in strengthening America’s national security through Assured Access to Space. In addition to the base's active spaceport, Vandenberg Guardians and Airmen enable essential missions such as nuclear deterrence, homeland defense, global command and control of space assets, orbital tracking, and training the next generation of space Guardians and nuclear Airmen. (U.S. Space Force photo by 2nd Lt. Andrew Taller)