A recent study suggests investing over $2 billion to expand a port near Cape Canaveral, Florida, to meet the increasing demands of launch companies operating in the area. Released by Space Florida on May 2, the study highlights the current inadequacy of Port Canaveral’s facilities in serving companies like SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, and Relativity Space.
SpaceX, for instance, relies on the port for recovering boosters, payload fairings, and Dragon spacecraft. However, the port’s current infrastructure is also utilized by cruise ships and the U.S. Navy, posing constraints on space industry operations. The study predicts exponential growth in recovery and launch operations, from 197 in 2028 to 1,252 in 2073.
To address these challenges, the study proposes both short-term and long-term upgrades to Port Canaveral. In the short term, improvements to the Middle Turning Basin and the construction of a new wharf are suggested, costing an estimated $220 million. In the long term, a significant expansion of the basin to the north, along with infrastructure enhancements, is recommended, with an estimated cost of $1.9 billion over 10 to 50 years.
The financing for these developments would likely require government funding, such as transportation grants, to avoid substantial fee increases for ships. Space Florida, in collaboration with the Canaveral Port Authority and other stakeholders, plans to seek strategic federal funding opportunities and support from state partners to realize these expansion plans.
Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, emphasized the need for a unified approach to accommodate the aspirations of both the space and maritime sectors. John Murray, CEO of the Canaveral Port Authority, expressed support for the study’s conclusions and highlighted the importance of collaboration to ensure the industry’s continued success.
Moving forward, Space Florida intends to explore opportunities for expansion at other seaports in the state to further support the growing space industry.
