BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The Department of the Air Force has approved SpaceX’s plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for Starship-Super Heavy operations, paving the way for dozens of launches and landings each year from Florida’s Space Coast.
In a “Record of Decision” signed Nov. 20, officials authorized SpaceX to use Space Launch Complex 37 for construction, pre-launch activities and eventual Starship flights. The decision allows up to 76 launches and 152 landings annually once an FAA analysis is finalized.
[VIDEO: SpaceX wins approval to redevelop historic pad for Starship flights from Florida coast]
The environmental review weighed two options: moving forward with redevelopment or taking no action. The Air Force selected the redevelopment plan, citing national defense needs, growing civilian launch demand and infrastructure capacity. The decision followed months of public comment and consultation with state, tribal and local governments.
[VIDEO: SpaceX launches the 11th test flight of its mega Starship rocket]
“Keep it in Texas,” resident Bill Lundell told Cape Canaveral Community Correspondent James Sparvero at a meeting at the Radisson hotel this summer.
“We already had enough explosions out here,” Lundell said. “I watched the Challenger blow up 40 years ago this January. One of those coming here, it’s just not worth the environmental costs.”
SpaceX posted on social media saying that construction has already started on their plan to “develop Space Launch Complex-37″ for Starship operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
We’ve received approval to develop Space Launch Complex-37 for Starship operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Construction has started.
With three launch pads in Florida, Starship will be ready to support America’s national security and Artemis goals as the world’s… pic.twitter.com/USgwNzwK8L
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 1, 2025
“With three launch pads in Florida, Starship will be ready to support America’s national security and Artemis goals as the world’s premiere spaceport continues to evolve to enable airport-like operations,” the space agency said in the post.
The decision marks a major step in expanding Starship’s presence on the Eastern Range, where SpaceX already launches Falcon 9 rockets. Starship, the company’s fully reusable heavy-lift vehicle, is central to NASA’s Artemis program and future national security missions.
A Starship launch tower that was constructed at launch complex 39a will be the site of the first Starship launch in Florida.
Space Force Col. Brian Chatman said that could happen within months.
“Early to mid-next year, is when we anticipate Starship coming out here to be able to launch, and we’ll have the range ready to support at that time,” he said.
A rendering showing a redeveloped Space Launch Complex-37 with two Starship rockets. (SpaceX)Breaking News Alerts
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