SpaceX Looks to Increase Cape Canaveral Launch Cadence
Requests FAA Authorization for up to 120 Falcon 9 Launches Per Year
The FAA has posted for public review a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing the SpaceX proposal to increase Falcon 9 operations from 50 to up to 120 per year from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Draft EA also reviews the construction of a first-stage booster landing zone at the site with up to 34 landings per year.
In order to meet the Department of the Air Force (DAF) National Environmental Policy Act requirements, the FAA has also posted a link to the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for public comment on behalf of DAF.
Under the Proposed Action addressed in the Draft EA, the FAA would:
Issue a license modification that would allow SpaceX to increase the annual number of Falcon 9 launches at SLC-40, construct and operate a Falcon 9 first-stage booster landing zone (LZ) at SLC-40.
Approve related airspace closures for launch and landing operations.
The Draft EA analyzes:
Up to 120 Falcon 9 launches annually at SLC -40, an increase of 70 launches annually from the 50 previously analyzed
Construction and operation of a landing zone at SLC-40
Up to 34 first-stage booster landings at the new landing zone annually SpaceX’s proposal to increase the annual number of Falcon 9 launches at SLC-40, and construct and operate a Falcon 9 first-stage booster landing zone at SLC-40.
The FAA invites interested parties to submit comments on the Draft EA. Comments, statements, or questions concerning Draft EA analyses must be identified with FAA-2025-0114.
A virtual public meeting will be held on April 16 and the public comment period closes on April 24, 2025.