SpaceX Aims to Increase Launch Frequency in Florida to 120 Times a Year, Ruffling Competitors Feathers
Tech & AI | July 2, 2024, 8:53 p.m.
SpaceX's ambitious plans to launch its Starship mega-rocket frequently from both NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station are causing concern among competitors, with Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance submitting comments to regulators for minimal disruptions and fair scheduling. With plans to potentially launch up to 120 times per year between the two sites, the U.S. Space Force is preparing an environmental assessment to determine the final launch cadence, though numbers may change based on various factors including environmental impact and development progress. SpaceX's CEO Elon Musk envisions Starship as vital for Mars colonization and plans for multiple daily launches in the future. Amidst pushback from competitors worried about the impact on their own operations, discussions continue on mitigating potential conflicts and disruptions, highlighting the competitive and regulatory challenges of scaling up Starship launch operations in Florida and Texas.