US Space Force Seeks New Heavy-Lift Launch Site by 2030 to Meet Surging Demand
US Space Force leaders state the military needs a third heavy-lift launch site up and running by 2030 to relieve pressure on existing facilities. Pentagon officials have not yet determined where the spaceport should go or how to acquire the land.
US Space Force leaders state the military needs a third heavy-lift launch site up and running by 2030 to relieve pressure on existing facilities. Pentagon officials have not yet determined where the spaceport should go or how to acquire the land. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink first mentioned the search in May following a congressionally mandated study.
Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, head of Space Systems Command, called the 2030 goal an aspirational timeline given the complexities of building a launch site. Established spaceports in Florida and California hosted 175 orbital launch attempts last year. Officials project that demand will surge to 700 launches per year by 2036, making geographic resiliency essential to protect against natural disasters or military attacks.
The Space Force is considering multiple options for the new installation, including public-private partnerships, state land, and leasing commercial property. Garrant stated that no final decision or decision timeline has been established yet.
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Original publication: 24 October 2026 01:03
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