SpaceX has received approval to significantly increase its Falcon 9 launch cadence from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. U.S. regulators have completed a crucial environmental review, allowing the company to boost its yearly launch count from 50 to up to 120.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) environmental assessment also approved a new landing zone, which will be able to handle up to 34 rocket stage landings annually. The Falcon 9 is only partially reusable, with the rocket’s first stage returning to Earth. The new landing zone will reduce the company’s reliance on drone ships at sea, which will help shorten the turnaround time between flights.
While the FAA has completed its environmental review, this is just the first step. SpaceX will still need additional environmental permits for its new facilities to ensure the protection of local wildlife. The U.S. Department of the Air Force must also approve the changes since the launch platform belongs to the Space Force.
This approval is a major step forward for SpaceX as it continues to increase its launch frequency. The company’s launch numbers have already jumped from 60 in 2022 to 132 in 2024, yet its schedule remains tight due to a high demand from commercial clients, the Department of Defense, and the company’s own Starlink satellite constellation.
The increase in launches at Cape Canaveral is part of a broader strategy to expand capacity across multiple facilities. SpaceX also plans to increase its Falcon launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to 100 per year. Regulators are also reviewing proposals to increase the launch frequency for the larger Starship rockets from sites in Texas and Florida.
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