● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
US Space Force Seeks New Heavy-Lift Spaceport by 2030
Key points
- US Space Force plans a new heavy-lift spaceport by 2030.
- The new site would be the third for heavy-lift launches.
- Location and land acquisition for the spaceport are undecided.
- A congressional study identified the need for more launch capability.
New Spaceport Initiative
The US Space Force is pursuing the development of a third heavy-lift launch site, with an aspirational target for it to be operational by 2030. This new spaceport would complement the existing launch facilities in Florida and California, which have been in use for nearly 70 years.
Rationale for Expansion
The need for an additional launch site was highlighted in a congressionally mandated study on the Space Force’s launch infrastructure. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink first mentioned this requirement in May, emphasizing the demand for another site capable of handling heavy and super heavy launch capabilities. The Trump administration's August space transportation policy also supported the construction of more launch and reentry sites for both commercial and military operations.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the 2030 timeline, Pentagon officials have not yet determined the location for the new spaceport or how to acquire the necessary land. Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, head of Space Systems Command, acknowledged the significant challenges involved in building a spaceport, including factors like orbital regimes, safety, access to commodities, and the impact on nearby communities. He compared the complexity to building an airport, noting that a spaceport is even louder.
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Reporting from
The US Space Force aims to establish a third heavy-lift launch site by 2030 to alleviate pressure on existing spaceports in Florida and California. This initiative follows a congressional study identifying the need for additional launch infrastructure, though the location and land acquisition remain undetermined.