CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The FAA is preparing for a dramatic increase in U.S. space activity, projecting as many as 10,000 launches and reentries a year by 2035. That growth could put pressure on existing spaceports, particularly on Florida’s Space Coast.
Dr. Ken Kremer of Space UpClose says Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station are already nearing their launch capacities and will need major infrastructure upgrades to handle a significant increase in operations.
According to the FAA, 83% of U.S. launches come from just three sites: Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The FAA is now seeking public input on potential new launch locations in Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and offshore areas, while also examining why some existing spaceports are not being used more.
Officials must consider everything from infrastructure and airspace to ensuring rockets stay over open water and away from populated areas, while making sure new sites have room to grow.
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