Editing Vandenberg Space Force Base (section)

== Role and operations ==
{{see also|List of Vandenberg Space Force Base launch facilities}}

{{Vandenberg launch pad map}}
The host unit at Vandenberg SFB is the [[Space Launch Delta 30]] (SLD 30). The unit oversees the [[Western Range (USSF)|Western Range]], a vast testing area stretching from Vandenberg's coast westward to the Western Pacific, including sites in [[Hawaii]]. This range facilitates Department of Defense space and missile testing, including launches that place satellites into near-polar orbits. Their operations involve collaboration with a multitude of federal agencies and commercial partners.

SLD 30 is organized into operations, mission support and medical groups, along with several directly assigned staff agencies:

* [[30th Operations Group]]

: The 30th Operations Group provides the core capability for West Coast spacelift and range operations.  The group is responsible for operating and maintaining the Western Range for spacelift, missile test launch, aeronautical and space surveillance missions.

* [[30th Mission Support Group]]

: The 30th Mission Support Group is responsible for quality-of-life needs on the base, including, housing, personnel, services, civil engineering, contracting and security.

* 30th Medical Group

: The 30th Medical Group provides medical, dental, bio-environmental and public health services for the base.

=== Space and Missile Heritage Center ===
The '''Space and Missile Heritage Center''' is located at Space Launch Complex 10, site of the first [[IRBM]] tests of the [[Thor (rocket)|Thor]] and Discoverer (aka [[Corona (satellite)|CORONA]]) [[spy satellite]] series of launches.<ref>{{cite web |title=Space and Missile Heritage Center |url=http://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/338395/space-and-missile-heritage-center |website=Vandenberg Space Force Base |access-date=23 January 2024}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=January 2024}} It is Vandenberg's only National Historic Landmark that is open for regularly scheduled tours through the 30th Space Wing's Public Affairs office.
The Center preserves and displays artifacts and memorabilia to interpret the evolution of missile and spacelift activity at Vandenberg from the beginning of the [[Cold War]] through current non-classified developments in military, commercial, and scientific space endeavors.

The current display area is made up of two exhibits, the "Chronology of the Cold War" and the "Evolution of Technology". The exhibits incorporate a combination of launch complex models, launch consoles, rocket engines, re-entry vehicles, audiovisual and computer displays as well as hands-on interaction where appropriate. There are plans to evolve the center in stages from the current exhibit areas as restorations of additional facilities are completed.