The US Space Force is evaluating the need for a third major launch site to support growing mission requirements. According to Space Systems Command head Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, the military aims to establish this capability by 2030, though he acknowledged the timeline is ambitious given the lack of current site selection or land acquisition plans.
Current infrastructure at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Kennedy Space Center, and Vandenberg Space Force Base handled 175 orbital launch attempts last year. Officials project that US spaceports will need to support 700 launches annually by 2036. A new facility would provide geographic resiliency against potential natural disasters or military threats.
The Department of the Air Force is considering multiple development paths, including new federal installations, state-owned land, or public-private partnerships. Officials are also reviewing potential commercial options, such as leasing property from private launch bases, though no final decisions have been reached regarding location or procurement strategy.
