SpaceX Cape SLC-37 Starship launch/landing facilities

[catdlr]

Although it appears the old pad has been cleared from the demolition work, the site has not yet been given permission to start construction according to the current approval milestones.

https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/

https://discord.com/channels/732509550606942268/743560252766814308/1428916895125340252

[catdlr]

This group has been providing updates for Starbase, which are posted in those threads, and they will now expand to SLC-37.

StarbaseTracking
@TrackingTheSB

Starbase Tracking Presents:

Cape Canaveral!

Coming To You: PDUPCFS 36UI 3136

Just move one step back, nice and slow.
Each letter and number in the row.
Crack the code and you will see,
A date that’s clear as it can be.

See you there!

https://twitter.com/TrackingTheSB/status/1981075079195693068

[edzieba]

Although it appears the old pad has been cleared from the demolition work, the site has not yet been given permission to start construction according to the current approval milestones.

https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/

https://discord.com/channels/732509550606942268/743560252766814308/1428916895125340252

Strange as it sounds, the EIS process does not need to be completed (or technically, even started*) for construction to start. SpaceX would not be able to launch from the site before the EIS process is completed, but they can still build it. Companies generally don't do this as it risks investing in infrastructure that cannot be used, but that hasn't stopped SpaceX before.


* e.g. Starbase tower 1 build started before the EA process started.

[catdlr]

Didn't think I would post from Discourse, but this group has contracted VANTOR for weekly views of the caps pads, and it seems worth adding to my repertoire of sources.

https://discord.com/channels/732509550606942268/743560252766814308/1431499427427913800

[catdlr]

Harry Stranger updated for Nov 26

Harry Stranger
@Harry__Stranger
Demolition work at SLC-37 leaves the old pad area nearly completely flat, but still a long way to go before it can support launches.

https://x.com/Harry__Stranger/status/1993809118600286418

[StraumliBlight]

Record of Decision [Nov 20]

The DAF has decided to allow Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) to redevelop Space Launch Complex (SLC)-37 at CCSFS for Starship-Super Heavy launch and landing operations as described in the Decision paragraph below.

The DAF will execute a real property agreement and other agreements between the United States Space Force (USSF) and SpaceX for SpaceX’s use of SLC-37 for Starship-Super Heavy launch and landing operations, with a focus on Starship-Super Heavy missions supporting the DAF, DOW, and other national security requirements and objectives. Starship-Super Heavy operations at CCSFS will ensure mission-essential functions for the DOW, enable USSF to meet current and future mission requirements, and support civilian launch capabilities needed to meet projected rapid increase in launch requirements (FEIS § 2.1).

In addition to the real property agreement, Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45) would approve the program on the range, including modifications to the program for access to the Eastern Range; Starship-Super Heavy would not be accepted onto the Eastern Range until all requirements of the CCSFS Range Safety Office are met.

[DanClemmensen]

Record of Decision [Nov 20]

Thanks!
I have no reason to disbelieve this is an actual government document. However, I don't know how to find the official version.
  https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com
does not appear to be a government URL.

[StraumliBlight]

I have no reason to disbelieve this is an actual government document. However, I don't know how to find the official version.
  https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com
does not appear to be a government URL.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/21/2024-03554/notice-of-intent-to-prepare-an-environmental-impact-statement-for-spacex-starship-super-heavy

The project website (SpaceForceStarshipEIS.com) provides information related to the EIS, such as environmental documents, schedule, and project details, as well as a comment form. Comments may be submitted via the website comment form, emailed to [email protected], or mailed to CCSFS Starship EIS c/o Jacobs, 5401 W Kennedy Blvd., Suite 300, Tampa, Florida 33609.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/dpoddolphinpro/status/1994508516904624422

Ryan Caton
@dpoddolphinpro

BREAKING: The Environmental Impact Statement for
@SpaceX
 Starship Operations at Space Launch Complex-37 in Florida is complete!

It permits 76 launches, landings (each stage), and static fires (each stage) per year. This is the same as the draft we first saw a few months ago.

[wannamoonbase]

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1995641577591767181

SpaceX
@SpaceX
We’ve received approval to develop Space Launch Complex-37 for Starship operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Construction has started.
With three launch pads in Florida, Starship will be ready to support America’s national security and Artemis goals as the world’s premiere spaceport continues to evolve to enable airport-like operations. We’d like to thank the Department of the Air Force (@usairforce), 45th Space Force (@SLDelta45), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife (@USFWS) for their effort on the environmental review

Edit: Cross posting into the LC37 thread.


This is going to be an enormous amount of construction work.  Probably take a couple years from now to see results, but boy howdy, imagine 5 active Starship launch pads.


That's some mass to orbit.

[catdlr]

SpaceX can launch its Starship megarocket from Florida pad, Air Force says

Modifications to Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station have already begun.

By Mike Wall

[catdlr]

SpaceX gets Environmental Approval for Starship at SLC-37
written by Ryan Weber December 5, 2025

[Rocket Rancher]

I believe there will be local back-lash if SX follows through with airline-like operations of this vehicle. No wants to live next to an airport with the constant sound/vibration of launches and the sonic booms of returns in this case. I suspect the sonic boom are 2-3X louder than what the Shuttle was just based on booster size. The novelty of rocket launches will wear off quickly when they are launching and returning in the middle of the night. Sadly, this area has been discovered and a lot of people are moving into the area. And let's face it, they were here before SS operations.   

[wannamoonbase]

I believe there will be local back-lash if SX follows through with airline-like operations of this vehicle. No wants to live next to an airport with the constant sound/vibration of launches and the sonic booms of returns in this case. I suspect the sonic boom are 2-3X louder than what the Shuttle was just based on booster size. The novelty of rocket launches will wear off quickly when they are launching and returning in the middle of the night. Sadly, this area has been discovered and a lot of people are moving into the area. And let's face it, they were here before SS operations.   

100% agree, I lived in Cape Canaveral for 3 years and worked at CCAFS, never missed a launch. 

Even the old Delta and Atlas' were noticeable in town.  Starship launch and return will be irritating for sure.  SpaceX is likely playing the game that they will take what they can get now and ask for more later if needed.  They have to have a small amount of uncertainty as to whether they can reach a 100+ launches a year.

I don't think the population surrounding CCSFB will tolerate Elon's dreamed of flight rate, they'll need to find other locations or move off shore.

[DanClemmensen]

I don't think the population surrounding CCSFB will tolerate Elon's dreamed of flight rate, they'll need to find other locations or move off shore.

Yes, they will. Perhaps the government can provide moving assistance for each family, but the government usually jsut forces the families to work it out for themselves.

[meekGee]

I don't think the population surrounding CCSFB will tolerate Elon's dreamed of flight rate, they'll need to find other locations or move off shore.

Yes, they will. Perhaps the government can provide moving assistance for each family, but the government usually jsut forces the families to work it out for themselves.

He wasn't specific about who "they" were

[spacenut]

How many will they possibly be launching from pad 39A along with 37?  Also, are they going to have one or two towers at 39A?  Then they will have two pads at Starbase. 

So, within two years how many pads and how many launches have been permitted for each location? 

[Jim]

I don't think the population surrounding CCSFB will tolerate Elon's dreamed of flight rate, they'll need to find other locations or move off shore.

Yes, they will. Perhaps the government can provide moving assistance for each family, but the government usually jsut forces the families to work it out for themselves.

Not for 100k people or so.

[sstli2]

People will complain and it will be controversial, but with the blessing of the USSF for 76 launches - a little over 1x / week - it will eventually be tolerated. It's not just the Cape. Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Titusville, etc. will definitely notice a big difference versus a Falcon 9 or Atlas V launch. People have already reported noticing a difference with just a New Glenn launch (1/4th the engine thrust).

Once Starship gets going, I anticipate enough push back that going from 76/year to something much larger - if and when such a cadence becomes feasible -  won't get rubber stamped so easily. Rocket launches are cool to us, but the typical Space Coast resident likes fishing and boating and honestly doesn't give a damn about a rocket launch. There'll be a point where off shore is the only option.

[DanClemmensen]

I don't think the population surrounding CCSFB will tolerate Elon's dreamed of flight rate, they'll need to find other locations or move off shore.

Yes, they will. Perhaps the government can provide moving assistance for each family, but the government usually jsut forces the families to work it out for themselves.

He wasn't specific about who "they" were

Yep, and I took advantage of it. This same thing has happened for decades all over the country. It's called NIMBY. Every affected community thinks they are a special case with unique concerns, and they are. Specific cases include airport noise, power plants, chemical plants, and highways. I'm very sorry for the affected community, but in this particular case there are no suitable alternatives. A launch facility needs to be on an east coast at a relatively low latitude. In the US, that's the Cape. That choice was made in 1949, and the surrounding community grew up to take advantage of the economic benefits starting then.