vandenberg_afb_space_launch_complex_3 | operator | united_states_air_force <sep> space launch complex 3 (slc-3) is a launch site at vandenberg space force base that consists of two separate launch pads slc-3e (east) is currently used by the atlas v launch vehicle, while slc-3w (west) has been demolishedlaunches from vandenberg fly southward, allowing payloads to be placed in high-inclination orbits such as polar or sun-synchronous orbit, which allow full global coverage on a regular basis and are often used for weather, earth observation, and reconnaissance satellites these orbits are difficult to reach from cape canaveral space force station, where launches must fly eastward due to major population centers to both the north and south of kennedy space center avoiding these would require hugely inefficient maneuvering, greatly reducing payload capacityslc-3e was the launch site of the mars lander insight in may 2018 
the operator of the vandenberg afb space launch complex 3 is the united states air force.space launch complex 3 is a launch site at vandenberg space force base