The Florida Space Coast achieved a significant milestone recently. The Starlink mission on Nov. 20 marked the 100th orbital launch this year, a first for Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center in a single year. Col. Brian Chatman, commander of Space Launch Delta 45, stated this level of activity is expected to continue. "Next year, we are hearing and planning for somewhere in the 100 to 115-ish launches," he said.
This pace demands the Space Force and launch companies address the limitations of the Eastern Range, which Chatman described as a "collection of assets since the Apollo era that we have continued to bolt on and tack on." A comprehensive modernization is necessary to accommodate the growing number of launches.
Chatman, who assumed command in June, told reporters on Nov. 21 that the focus for next year involves planning infrastructure upgrades and operational adjustments. While SpaceX’s Starlink flights are a primary driver, United Launch Alliance is anticipated to increase Vulcan rocket launches, and Blue Origin is ramping up New Glenn flights. Furthermore, SpaceX plans to launch its Starship from Florida, increasing launch tempo, said Chatman.
Congress has allocated $1.3 billion through 2028 for range improvements through the Spaceport of the Future initiative. Next month, Space Delta 45 and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center will meet with providers to address needed changes and "what do we need to remove, as far as choke points go, to be able to support tomorrow?".
One implemented change involves relocating offices and workspaces away from active launch complexes, as personnel often had to evacuate pads and buildings for safety. Upgraded security checkpoints with digital scanners are also being implemented to speed up inspections of vehicles carrying propellants, cryogenic fluids, and telecommunications equipment.
Except for ULA’s Atlas 5, all providers now use Automated Flight Termination Systems (AFTS). This reduces the time between missions by eliminating the need for extensive setup and coordination for each flight. However, "deconfliction" periods are still necessary, particularly when launches involve different providers due to varying radio frequencies and commodity requirements.
Amentum was selected for the Space Force Range Contract, a 10-year deal worth up to $4 billion, to manage range improvements. Chatman noted the contract is still in the early transition phase. He also emphasized the need for a thorough review of the facilities, stating they remain "a collection of assets since the Apollo era that we have continued to bolt on and tack on to to ensure we have the right telemetry, the right safety, the right termination systems … so maintaining and sustaining that is a huge approach.”
Space Launch Delta 45 is collaborating with Space Systems Command to define the "range of tomorrow." The arrival of SpaceX’s Starship in Florida will require dedicated pads, ground systems, and safety analyses. "We’re working in partnership with Kennedy Space Center to build out launch complexes for Starship operations," Chatman said. The range anticipates supporting Starship operations in early to mid 2026.