Inside the Pentagon, the pressure is on to find a home for a new spaceport
The US Space Force wants a third heavy-lift launch site operating by 2030, to ease pressure on facilities in Florida and California and provide backup if either is knocked offline. But the proposed deadline is ambitious: officials have not chosen a location, settled how to secure land or set a decision timetable.
The existing sites handled 175 orbital launch attempts last year, and the Space Force expects established spaceports to support 700 launches a year by 2036. Officials say a new site would need to account for launch routes, safety, nearby communities and access to supplies. Options under consideration include a new federal base, state land, commercial property or a public-private partnership.
In short
- Space Force hopes for a third launch site by 2030.
- No location or land plan has been decided.
- Existing spaceports may need to support 700 launches annually by 2036.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A third heavy-lift launch site could reduce pressure on Florida and California, give the country a backup if either facility is unavailable, and help meet sharply rising launch demand. Starting the process now may be prudent because choosing a location, securing land and addressing safety and community concerns will take time.
The case against
A 2030 target may be premature when officials have not chosen a location, worked out land arrangements or set a decision timetable. A new spaceport could bring substantial costs and local impacts, so committing to a deadline before assessing those issues may risk rushed decisions or diverting resources from improving existing facilities.