Kennedy Space Center Infrastructure Aging Under SpaceX and Blue Origin Demand

Kennedy Space Center infrastructure is aging and nearing capacity limits due to SpaceX and Blue Origin demand, an Inspector General report finds. The NASA Office of Inspector General report states that NASA's launch infrastructure is dated and often does not provide the capacity to meet growing demands from the agency and its partners. The findings cover launch facilities at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, with the Florida spaceport facing the most significant stress from SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn launch vehicles.

Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex Infrastructure

NASA operates a limited number of launch pads at Kennedy Space Center. Launch Complex 39A is currently leased by SpaceX for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches and houses a new launch facility that will soon support Starship launches. Launch Complex 39B serves as home to NASA's Space Launch System rocket. Launch Complex 39C has not been used due to its proximity to Launch Complex 39B. NASA has built Launch Complex 48, a 10-acre site that the agency may lease to small launch vehicle companies.

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, located south of Kennedy Space Center, operates additional launch pads. Blue Origin leases Launch Complex 36A and 36B at Cape Canaveral for the New Glenn rocket.

FAQ

What did the NASA Inspector General report find about Kennedy Space Center?

The NASA Office of Inspector General report found that Kennedy Space Center's launch infrastructure is aging and approaching capacity limits due to increased demand from private companies including SpaceX and Blue Origin. The report states the infrastructure is dated and often does not provide sufficient capacity to meet growing demands from NASA and its partners.

Which launch complexes does SpaceX use at Kennedy Space Center?

SpaceX leases Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches. The complex also houses a new launch facility that will soon support Starship launches.