Introduction
When people talk about Vandenberg launch schedule 2025, they’re wondering: what rockets are launching, when, and what they intend to do. Vandenberg Space Force Base, on the California coast, has been a key launch site for decades, especially for missions going into polar or sun-synchronous orbits.
The Vandenberg launch schedule 2025 continues its busy pace with a mix of SpaceX Starlink deployments, national security missions for the U.S. government, scientific missions, and more. This guide gives you a clear picture of what to watch for without using confusing words.
You’ll find a breakdown of the main launches, why they’re important, and how they shape science, national defense, and even local communities. So let’s explore the Vandenberg launch schedule 2025 in full.
A Quick Look at Vandenberg
Vandenberg Space Force Base sits in California and has been launching rockets since the 1950s. Unlike Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, Vandenberg launches rockets toward the south and west perfect for polar or sun-synchronous orbits, which are often used for Earth-monitoring satellites and military payloads.
Leading into the Vandenberg launch schedule 2025, the base saw a record 51 launches. Remarkably, by early February 2025, Vandenberg had already completed five launches showing how busy the year was off to an energetic start .
Rockets launch from different pads like SLC-4E and SLC-8. SpaceX also plans to use a second pad, SLC-6, which is being updated and expected to be ready for use by late 2025 .
Key Launches from Early 2025
SpaceX and Starlink Satellites
The Vandenberg launch schedule 2025 shows SpaceX has been particularly active. On January 24, 2025, a Falcon 9 rocket launched 23 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg, lighting up the sky across Central and Northern California. People even thought they saw UFOs .
In March and April, missions continued:
- Transporter-13 (March 15) delivered a batch of small satellites on shared rideshare flights .
- NROL-57 (March 21) deployed 11 Starshield satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) .
- Starlink Group 11-7 and 11-13 also launched in March and April .
- On April 12, NROL-192 launched 22 more Starshield satellites .
- By April 20, NROL-145, another batch of 22 Starshield satellites, lifted off .
- Launches carried on into May with Starlink Group 15-3 on May 10 .
Minotaur IV and Government Missions
On April 16, 2025, a Minotaur IV rocket launched NROL-174, a classified NRO payload into low Earth orbit (LEO). This was the first Minotaur IV flight from Vandenberg since 2011 . Future plans include missions like EWS-OD 1 (USSF-261S-A) and STP-S29A, both tentatively scheduled later in the year .
TRACERS Mission—Science Takes Off
The TRACERS mission is a science-focused launch involving two small satellites flying together to study how solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. Originally aiming for July 22, 2025, it was delayed due to airspace concerns . Local officials also warned Southern California residents to expect sonic booms around that date unsettling but harmless .
What’s Next? Mid to Late 2025 Launches
Looking ahead through mid-2025, a packed schedule awaits:
SpaceX Starlink and Rideshares
- Starlink Group 17-5 is scheduled for August 17, 2025 from SLC-4E.
- Starlink Group 17-7 is set for August 22 .
- Bandwagon-4, a rideshare mission, is expected around August 24 .
- Starlink Group 11-25 continues the constellation work later in August .
Military and Government Missions
- NROL-48, a classified NRO mission, is planned for September .
- NAOS (LUXEOSys) and Transporter 15 rideshare missions are slated in Q3 and October respectively .
- Sentinel-6B, a climate monitoring satellite, targets November .
- A flurry of December missions includes several Starlink batches, Vulcan launches like USSF-114, and others from Firefly and Minotaur .
Vulcan Centaur Joins In
United Launch Alliance (ULA) plans its first Vulcan Centaur launch from Vandenberg in 2025. One confirmed mission is NROL-83, carrying a classified payload for the NRO, marking the debut of Vulcan Centaur from Vandenberg .
Why These Launches Matter
Connectivity and Science
The Starlink Missions in the Vandenberg launch schedule 2025 expand global internet access. TRACERS, meanwhile, is poised to give scientists rare insight into space weather, bolstering our understanding of auroras and geomagnetic storms that can disrupt communication systems .
National Security
Deployments by the NRO and Space Force like Starshield constellations and other classified payloads help keep U.S. national security interests in orbit.
Local Impact and Environmental Concerns
Vandenberg’s busy schedule has drawn criticism from environmental groups and residents troubled by noise, sonic booms, and disruption to wildlife. SpaceX’s effort to ramp up launches from 50 to nearly 100 per year has met resistance from the California Coastal Commission . In response, a recent executive order eased environmental permitting for commercial space launches stirring new debate .
Summary Table of Major 2025 Launches
Here’s an easy summary of notable missions from early to late 2025:
| Date | Launch Provider | Rocket Type | Mission Name / Payload |
| Jan–May | SpaceX | Falcon 9 | Starlink groups, NROL-57, NROL-192, NROL-145, Starlink 15-3 |
| Apr 16 | Northrop Grumman | Minotaur IV | NROL-174 |
| July (planned) | SpaceX | Falcon 9 | TRACERS (science) + sonic booms warning |
| Aug | SpaceX | Falcon 9 | Starlink 17-5, 17-7, Bandwagon-4, Starlink 11-25 |
| Sep–Nov | SpaceX / ULA | Falcon 9 / Vulcan | NROL-48, NAOS, Transporter 15, Sentinel-6B, NROL-83 |
| Dec | Multiple | Falcon 9, Vulcan, Minotaur, Firefly | Various Starlink, SDA, USSF, Firefly, Minotaur missions |
Final Thoughts
The Vandenberg launch schedule 2025 shows how this spaceport plays a vital role across commercial, scientific, and national security sectors. From expanding global internet with Starlink to unveiling space in the name of science with TRACERS, every launch tells a story.
If you’re curious to follow a live launch, keep an eye on official SpaceX or Space Force livestreams. And for locals, remember that sonic booms are loud but harmless part of living near a busy spaceport.
Vandenberg’s story continues in 2025 and beyond with more missions and more excitement ahead.
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