NASA Warns Kennedy Space Center’s 4 Launch Pads Are Near Capacity as Private Demand Surges
Updated
Updated · Ars Technica · Jun 22
NASA Warns Kennedy Space Center’s 4 Launch Pads Are Near Capacity as Private Demand Surges
2 articles · Updated · Ars Technica · Jun 22
Summary
A NASA inspector general report said Kennedy Space Center’s aging launch infrastructure is approaching its limits as commercial demand rises, especially from SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Glenn programs.
The report said the agency’s launch assets are vital for NASA, other government users and private partners, but dated facilities often lack the capacity to meet growing mission needs.
At Kennedy, pad availability is tight: Launch Complex 39A is leased to SpaceX and being readied for Starship, 39B supports NASA’s Space Launch System, 39C remains unused because of its proximity to 39B, and 48 is a 10-acre site for possible small-launch leases.
The squeeze is most acute in Florida even though neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station has more pads, including 36A and 36B leased to Blue Origin for New Glenn.