Space Coast Faces Infrastructure Strain with Record Launch Cadence

The Space Force anticipates up to 156 launches in 2025, highlighting critical bottlenecks in payload processing and launch pad availability.

The Space Coast supported a record 93 launches in 2024 and is projected to handle up to 156 missions in 2025, averaging 13 launches per month.
Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen identified payload processing facilities as a major bottleneck, with limited cleanroom and security-compliant space for satellite preparation.
The rise in rideshare missions, involving multiple payloads with unique handling needs, has intensified competition for processing space among government and commercial entities.
The Space Force is seeking congressional funding and innovative commercial solutions to expand or optimize payload processing infrastructure at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Real estate constraints are also limiting the ability to accommodate new launch providers, as demand for launch pads continues to grow from both established and emerging companies.