Where Farms Meet the Sky: Examining Farmworkers and the Rocket Launches in Lompoc, California

• In Event: The New Space Era and American Empire: SpaceX, Satellite Launching, and Local Community Responses

Abstract

This paper delves into the often overlooked intersection of two seemingly disparate groups during late-stage American empire: Lompoc’s rich agricultural heritage, represented by its sprawling fields and the predominantly Latinx immigrant farmworker community who feeds a nation, and the rapidly expanding aerospace industry centered around Vandenberg Space Force Base. While the frequent satellite launches from Vandenberg represent technological advancement and national security interests, their impacts on the lives and livelihoods of the farmworkers—a group vital to the region’s and nation’s agricultural economy—remain largely unexamined. This paper seeks to bridge this gap by centering the voices and experiences of these essential workers, raising questions about what is deemed essential and for whom in late-stage American empire.

This study investigates farmworkers' perceptions, knowledge, and lived experiences related to the frequent rocket launches occurring just beyond the fields where they toil. The fact that many farmworkers come from immigrant backgrounds and speak Spanish or an indigenous language raises questions about the accessibility of information regarding the environmental, economic, and social consequences of space industry expansion. The project explores three interconnected areas: First, it examines farmworkers' understanding of the environmental consequences of these launches, including potential impacts on air and water quality, noise pollution, and the delicate local ecosystem. Do they perceive any direct effects on the crops they tend, the soil they work, or their own health? Second, the research analyzes farmworkers' perceptions of the economic ramifications of the space industry’s presence. Are there concerns about rising land values, changing land use patterns, or competition for resources? Third, the study explores the social impacts of the space industry on the farmworker community. How do farmworkers perceive the symbolic significance of these launches? Do they feel a sense of connection to this cutting-edge technology, or do they see it as distant and unrelated to their daily lives? Does the increased presence of the space industry alter the social fabric of their community?

A crucial component of this research is the analysis of information channels available to farmworkers regarding the space industry and its activities. What sources of information do they rely on? Are they receiving adequate and accessible information about launch schedules, potential environmental risks, and community engagement opportunities? The study examines the role of local media, community organizations, employers, and personal networks in disseminating information. Furthermore, it seeks to identify significant gaps in communication and explore the potential for improved outreach strategies to ensure that farmworkers are well-informed and have a voice in shaping the future of their community.

Methodologically, this research employs an ethnographic and qualitative data collection. The project relies on in-depth interviews with agricultural workers (farmworkers, growers/owners, labor contractors, and distributors). By documenting these often-overlooked voices, this research aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between agriculture and aerospace in Lompoc, California. Ultimately, this study seeks to shed light on how space development affects those who work the land beneath its path, ensuring that their perspectives are considered in future planning and policy decisions.

Authors

• Carlos Jimenez, University of Denver

• Ricardo Mata Vazquez, University of California-Santa Barbara