WASHINGTON — The Air Force has greenlit SpaceX’s plan to turn a former Delta 4 launch site at Cape Canaveral into a Starship launch complex. This decision was formalized in a document released on November 20 by Michael Saunders, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy, installations, and the environment.
The Air Force’s approval comes after a thorough environmental impact assessment was completed, ensuring that the redevelopment at Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37) would not significantly harm the local environment. This old pad, originally built in the 1960s for Saturn 1 rockets, has already been modified for use with Delta 4 rockets. The last Delta 4 Heavy rocket was launched from this site in April 2024.
Initially, the plan included the potential construction of a new facility at SLC-50, located between SLC-37 and SLC-40, which is used for Falcon 9 launches. However, after studying the site, it was determined that SLC-50 had significant archaeological and ecological importance, leading to its exclusion from the project.
The environmental study concluded that building and operating the Starship pad at SLC-37 could support up to 76 launches and 152 landings each year without major environmental harm. However, noise from these operations could cause disturbances in nearby communities. While substantial damage is unlikely, buildings not fortified for such conditions could be at risk of minor damage.
A few areas around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach could experience weaker sonic booms, but the likelihood of significant property damage is deemed minimal, generally between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 100,000. More likely are issues with windows or other delicate items within buildings.
SpaceX’s plan involves constructing two launch pads at SLC-37, expanding its capabilities alongside existing platforms in Texas and at Kennedy Space Center. This development is crucial for U.S. national security and the Artemis program, reflecting the growing importance of Cape Canaveral as a modern spaceport.
As SpaceX begins construction at SLC-37, the timeline for completing the facilities and the first launch remains undisclosed. The developments at Cape Canaveral signify not only a shift in launch capabilities but also highlight the evolving nature of space exploration in the U.S.
For further details, refer to the [Department of the Air Force’s report](https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CCSFS-Starship-ROD_FINAL_SIGNED_508.pdf) and the [environmental impact statement](https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SpaceX_Starship-SuperHeavy_CCSFS_Final_EIS_508.pdf) related to this project.
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