SpaceX is making a significant shift in its launch operations. The company is moving all its Dragon flight missions from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This change marks the end of an era for LC-39A.
On February 4, SpaceX set up a large crane next to the crew access tower at LC-39A. They’re either preparing to remove or repair the crew access arm. NASA confirmed they were informed about this work but didn’t provide further details. SpaceX did not respond to inquiries for additional commentary.
At a press briefing on January 30, Lee Echerd, SpaceX’s Senior Mission Manager, highlighted this new path for Falcon 9 launches. He stated, “We’re planning to launch most of our Falcon 9 missions from SLC-40. This allows our team at 39A to focus on Falcon Heavy and the upcoming Starship launches.” This move aims to streamline operations and improve launch efficiency.
Dragon arrives at pad 40 ahead of the upcoming Crew-12 launch to the @Space_Station pic.twitter.com/Sq18mdmR39
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 3, 2026
SpaceX’s Vice President, Kiko Dontchev, echoed this sentiment, mentioning in a December post how LC-39A will shift focus away from Dragon missions to more advanced rockets. A NASA spokesperson also clarified that the agency can still utilize LC-39A for crewed flights if needed.
In preparation for crewed missions, modifications at SLC-40 began in 2023 and wrapped up in 2024. The first Dragon flight from here was a cargo mission, CRS-30, in March 2024, followed by crew missions starting with Crew-9 in September 2024.
NASA sees this flexibility as a strategic advantage. Daniel Forrestel, Launch Integration Manager for NASA, noted that the increase in space activity means that launch pad availability has become a significant factor in scheduling. This change offers more options for upcoming missions.
Future Plans with Starship
Meanwhile, an exciting development looms with SpaceX’s Starship program. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently authorized SpaceX to conduct up to 44 launches and 88 landings per year for its Starship-Super Heavy rocket. This was a milestone after months of assessments to meet environmental standards and public safety.
Starship is expected to be game-changing, aiming to reduce launch costs significantly by being a fully reusable vehicle. The FAA indicated that this could boost American leadership in space exploration, aligning with efforts like the Artemis program.
For the successful operation of Starship at LC-39A, SpaceX plans extensive infrastructure upgrades. They estimate they will need about 70,000 square meters of space for new launch pads and supporting facilities. Environmental agencies will oversee how SpaceX uses water needed for operations, projecting an annual consumption rate of approximately 297 million gallons.
Community engagement around these developments is critical. Local sentiment varies, but many are optimistic about the economic and scientific opportunities space missions bring to Florida’s Space Coast. With continued advancements, SpaceX aims to ensure that its Starship will be a reliable rocket by the time it starts launching from Florida, expected possibly in 2026.
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s founder, looks forward to these developments. He emphasized that the public will see a tested and trusted vehicle, setting a new standard for future missions.
