Could a Shuttle Disaster Like Challenger Have Happened at Vandenberg?

The Space Shuttle program, with its mix of military and civilian missions, had two primary launch sites: Kennedy Space Center on the East Coast and Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) on the West Coast. The idea of launching these iconic spacecraft from Vandenberg raises interesting questions about the potential risks and benefits. Could events like those that led to the tragic loss of Challenger have occurred differently if the Space Shuttle were launched from Vandenberg?

West Coast Space Launch Facilities

VAFB, besides being an either/or alternative to the main shuttle launch site, had its own unique missions. The focus was on polar orbit satellite deployments and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and nuclear warhead testing. Even after the Cold War, VAFB continues to serve as a research and development (RD) test facility for ICBMs.

One of the key factors in choosing a launch site is the inclination of the orbit. VAFB excels in launching payloads into high inclination orbits, which typically involve suborbital missile testing in the Pacific Ocean. In rare cases, a retrograde low inclination orbital launch might also be conducted from Vandenberg. For comparison, EROS-C3, a satellite launched in 2022, took such a route from VAFB.

While the Space Shuttle was theoretically capable of high inclination launches, this was more of a military concern, specifically under the Defense Department (DOD). However, it was never actually used for its intended purposes. The idea of a Cold War-era shuttle launch from Vandenberg was first explored with the Enterprise orbiter and a donated External Tank/ Solid Rocket Booster (ET/ SRB) stack. These exercises were part of an investigation into whether processing the orbiter at VAFB could make launching DOD payloads more secure and less vulnerable to interference from the Soviet Union.

The Challenger Disaster and Vandenberg

The ill-fated launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986 highlighted the myriad issues with the shuttle program. One significant factor was the cold weather at Cape Canaveral, which affected the O-rings and ultimately led to the disaster. A similar severe cold front in Northern California would have been extremely rare, but that alone does not address the deeper systemic issues. This failure brought to light the disjointed and fractured nature of the shuttle program, which relied heavily on facilities on the East Coast and their associated transportation networks.

Given these dynamics, extending the shuttle program to Vandenberg would have exposed it to different logistical and environmental challenges and risks. For instance, West Coast launches would involve overcoming colder launch conditions, which, while less common, still present a significant challenge. The colder weather would negate the use of Earth's rotation as an additional boost, a factor that was not a concern at Cape Canaveral.

The X-37 Program at Vandenberg

The advent of the X-37 program, operated by the U.S. Air Force (USAF), marked a shift away from the civilian Space Shuttle to a more secure and classified launch site. The X-37 is best known for its launches and landings from Vandenberg Air Force Base, which maximizes security for its operations. However, the X-37 occasionally uses Kennedy Space Center when orbital needs dictate.

In contrast to the NASA Space Shuttles, the X-37 spends significant periods in space for intelligence gathering, espionage, and other classified missions. It provides a quicker asset cycle for developing and deploying space-based imaging technology compared to traditional spy satellites. Despite the X-37's perception as a stealth vehicle, the use of a large solar array and hypergolic fuel makes it a bright object in the sky, which complicates its ability to remain hidden from human observation and radar.

Connections Between SDI and STS

The timing of the Enterprise orbiter's relocation to Vandenberg is closely tied to the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as Star Wars. The shift was driven by the need for secure launch sites to counter the emerging threats and ideologies of the Cold War era. The shuttle program's obscure directives during this period clearly highlighted the interconnectedness between initiatives like SDI and the Space Shuttle program.

Abrahamson, who headed SDI, was instrumental in this transition. His leadership ensured that the Enterprise orbiter embarked on its Vandenberg mission as part of the larger push for secure and sophisticated space-based technologies. Thus, the movement from one site to another was more than a logistical change; it represented a strategic and ideological shift in how the U.S. approached military and civilian space endeavors.

In conclusion, while the concept of launching the Space Shuttle from Vandenberg Air Force Base offers a unique operational environment, it also brings with it a different set of risks and challenges. The Cold War-era shuttle missions from Vandenberg were not just about improving security but also about adapting to the specific operational needs of the time. The X-37 program, with its secure launch site and ongoing missions, continues to reflect these evolving requirements.

Key Takeaways:

The Space Shuttle program's dual nature made it uniquely adaptable to different launch sites, but each had its challenges. West Coast launches, such as those from Vandenberg, face different environmental and operational conditions from those on the East Coast. The X-37 program represents a modern continuation of secure military space operations, utilizing Vandenberg for its specialized missions.