Explore the growing power struggle between Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Base

Locations

Vandenberg SFB Logo

Vandenberg SFB (SLD 30)

Forty-five minutes north of Santa Barbara, the base sits in a remote valley near the city of Lompoc, California.

Patrick SFB Logo

Patrick SFB / Cape Canaveral SFS (SLD 45)

Forty-five minutes south of Orlando, the base sits on the eastern peninsula of the Florida coast.

The Problem

The consolidation of control over Vandenberg's launch systems by Cape Canaveral, facilitated through VMware and Microsoft AD managed by Cape’s Capabilities Development Division (CDD), could create vulnerabilities and stifle competitive advantages critical to American space innovation. Operating over commercial connections adds cybersecurity risks, as sensitive launch and mission data flow over potentially exploitable channels. This shift could undermine the robust, independent operational capability of Vandenberg, putting classified missions and national security at risk.

Beyond security concerns, a single, centrally managed structure for U.S. launch operations could stifle industry competition. Independent operators like SpaceX, which rely on flexibility at both launch sites, could face increased oversight and delays due to centralized decision-making. This could lead to reduced competitive opportunities, slowing advancements in reusable rockets and private space exploration. Moreover, monopolistic control over these launches contradicts the U.S.'s goal of fostering a competitive space sector, potentially disadvantaging smaller players and limiting the industry’s overall growth trajectory.

How did the Space Force get here?

The Air Force initially implemented a series of unsuccessful programs through the 45th Space Wing, spearheaded by Cape Canaveral teams, known as Range Standardization (RSA) and later RSA-2, at both Vandenberg AFB and Cape Canaveral. Despite the near-total failures of these programs, many of their architects advanced in rank and influence. These same leaders later championed a new initiative called Range Safety and Hazard Prevention (RSHP), which also collapsed due to significant mismanagement. Undeterred, the same team from SLD 45 responsible for the previous setbacks re-bid and won the contract, leading us to the current situation.

Col. Shoemaker, a former SLD 45 commander, now works under General Panzenhagen to implement the RAD program through multiple government offices, including the Combat Development Division (CDD), operating under a “Task Order.” This Task Order is being used to expedite the infrastructure rollout while suppressing questions and dissent, bypassing formal documentation, oversight, and accountability. When contractors raise concerns, government officials leverage authority and escalating ranks to suppress dissent, effectively silencing objections and pushing the program forward unchallenged.

  • 1950

    Cape Canaveral

    Cape Canaveral established as a primary launch site for space missions, hosting the early missile programs and the first American satellites.

  • 1958

    Vandenberg

    Vandenberg converted from an Air Force base to an operational launch site for polar orbit launches, ideal for national security and reconnaissance missions

  • June 1999

    USAF Awards Range Standardization and Automation (RSA)

    Overall program objective is to improve the Spacelift Range System while reducing total cost of ownership. The Spacelift Range System combines resources of two independently operated ranges: the Eastern Range managed at Patrick AFB, FL and the Western Range managed at Vandenberg AFB, CA. $1.9B Overall failure

  • March 2005

    Western Range Operations Control Center Activated

    The 30th Space Wing officially activates the new Western Range Operations Control Center Area Control Center

  • March 2011

    CCAFS Picks wrong side

    Cernan and Neil Armstrong testify before U.S. Congress in 2010 in opposition to the cancellation of the Constellation program

  • December 2012

    Transition to Full Service

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  • July 2014

    Phase Two Expansion

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