Photo courtesy of City of Lompoc
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOMPOC, Calif. — 10/27/2026 — Pale Blue Dot Ventures (PBDV) has received approval from the Lompoc City Council for a two-year extension of all of the deadlines in the Lease/DDA (Disposition & Development Agreement) for Space Base California, providing additional time to advance plans for the proposed space-themed education, entertainment, and innovation destination at Ken Adam Park.
In a 4–1 vote, the City Council approved the extension, establishing a framework of six-month progress check-ins. The decision gives PBDV additional time to pursue the partnerships and financial structure needed to move the project forward while maintaining regular communication with city leadership.
For PBDV, the extension represents an important milestone in the development of a vision designed to connect Lompoc with the rapidly growing commercial space industry at nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base.
“We are returning to the moon, this time to stay. Big ideas take time, then pay off, and now the launch coasts are drawing investment. We are at an intersection of immersive entertainment, STEM education and aerospace training at exactly the moment NASA is handing deep space infrastructure to industry”, said Steve Franck, Founder & CEO of Pale Blue Dot Ventures, addressing the council’s decision, appreciation for the opportunity to continue advancing the project, and commitment to the Lompoc community.
Space Base California is much more than a visitor attraction. The proposed development would bring together hands-on STEM education, student field trips, immersive space simulations, youth programs, teacher training, and potential partnerships with local schools and higher education institutions. Plans also envision opportunities to introduce students and adults to aerospace careers and the skills needed to participate in a growing regional industry.
The project aims to create a destination where residents and visitors can engage with space exploration, discover new educational pathways, and connect with the technology and innovation shaping the Central Coast’s future.
The extension also gives PBDV additional time to continue engaging prospective capital partners and refining the project as planning progresses. The six-month check-ins will provide opportunities to share updates, demonstrate progress, and maintain an ongoing dialogue with the City Council and community.
“This is a time of rapid evolution in not only immersive technology, but real stories from a thriving new generation of companies putting valuable payloads into space to help enhance life on the planet”, said Bob Allen, the project’s Chief Creative Officer. “This chance to review, refine and improve our experience design plan is a major opportunity.”
PBDV recognizes that a project of this scale requires time, collaboration, and continued engagement with the community. The company remains committed to advancing Space Base California thoughtfully and transparently, with the goal of creating lasting educational, economic, and community benefits for Lompoc and the surrounding region.
About Pale Blue Dot Ventures
Pale Blue Dot Ventures is a development company focused on creating innovative, immersive and enriched destinations that connect people to science, technology, and the future of exploration. Its flagship project, Space Base California, is planned for Lompoc, California, and is designed to bring immersive space education and public engagement to the Central Coast.
Media Contact:
Joe Mathieu
Pale Blue Dot Ventures
joe@palebluedotventures.com
805-430-9879
