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Air Force Approves SpaceX Starship Pad at Cape Canaveral as Construction Begins

High-cadence launches remain contingent on FAA airspace analysis plus Eastern Range rules.

Overview

  • After a nearly two-year environmental review, the Department of the Air Force issued a Record of Decision authorizing SpaceX to redevelop Space Launch Complex 37 for Starship launch and landing operations.
  • SpaceX says work at SLC-37 is underway following the approval, which allows site construction and prelaunch activities to proceed.
  • The Air Force framework permits up to 76 launches and 152 booster landings per year once a supplemental FAA airspace assessment is completed and accepted.
  • The Space Force will execute a property agreement that prioritizes national security missions at the site while permitting civil missions.
  • Environmental analyses project substantial aviation impacts from combined Florida Starship operations, prompting further FAA review to address potential flight delays and airspace closures before missions start.