SpaceX to ULA "Move Over! Starship's Coming to Town!"

SpaceX Set to Transform Cape Canaveral with Starship Launch Pad Preparations

The dawn of a new era in space exploration is fast approaching at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, as SpaceX gears up to potentially launch its Starship rocket up to 76 times per year from a revamped launch complex. This ambitious plan is moving closer to reality as the US Air Force nears approval for SpaceX to take over Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37), a site formerly utilized by United Launch Alliance (ULA).

A significant milestone was reached this week with the release of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the Department of the Air Force. The EIS concluded that SpaceX's proposed activities at SLC-37 are unlikely to cause significant harm to:

• Local environmental interests
• Historical landmarks
• Social well-being
• Cultural heritage

Furthermore, the Air Force determined that SpaceX's presence at SLC-37 would not unduly impact its competitors in the launch industry. This positive assessment paves the way for SpaceX to proceed with its ambitious Starship launch program from this strategic location.

The Defense Department is taking the lead on the environmental review and approval process, marking a crucial step in transferring control of the launch site to SpaceX. ULA, a key rival of SpaceX, conducted its final Delta IV Heavy rocket launch from SLC-37 in April 2024. Just a few months prior, the military had announced SpaceX's interest in acquiring the launch pad, signaling a major shift in the landscape of space launch capabilities.

In a symbolic move, demolition of the existing Delta IV-era infrastructure at SLC-37 is expected to commence imminently. According to multiple sources, this could begin as early as Thursday. The structures slated for removal include:

• The Delta IV's mobile gantry
• The fixed umbilical tower
• Both lightning towers

Emre Kelly, a Space Force spokesperson, has deferred specific scheduling inquiries to SpaceX, which is overseeing the demolition project. However, Kelly confirmed the removal of the aforementioned structures, emphasizing that the demolition will adhere to all relevant federal and state regulations governing explosive demolition operations.

Unlike previous large-scale demolitions at Cape Canaveral, SpaceX and the Space Force have opted to keep this event low-profile, choosing not to publicize it in advance. This discreet approach underscores the focus on efficiency and progress as SpaceX prepares SLC-37 for the next generation of space exploration.

This transformation of SLC-37 signifies more than just a change of ownership. It represents a bold step towards the future of space travel, with SpaceX poised to leverage this strategic launch site for its ambitious Starship program. The potential for up to 76 launches per year hints at a dramatically increased pace of space exploration and development, promising exciting advancements in the years to come.

Tags: SpaceX, Starship, Cape Canaveral, US Air Force, Space Force, SLC-37, Launch Pad, Environmental Impact, Rocket Launch, United Launch Alliance

Source: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/06/feds-poised-to-approve-spacexs-takeover-of-another-military-launch-pad/