Cape Canaveral prepares to improve their infrastructure as launch rates increase

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — One city is bracing for the effects of more and more rocket launches from our Space Coast.

With 2025 a record-setting year, and 2026 looks like more of the same, but to ensure they can withstand all of that action, cities on the Space Coast are looking at ways to improve their infrastructure.

You could call the situation an issue of supply and demand.

Just 10 years ago, experts say Florida’s Space Coast would be lucky to have a dozen launches in a year, but the last two years, Floridians have seen more than 200.

And as the supply of missions increases, demand for resiliency goes up too.

Because of that, cities like Cape Canaveral are looking at ways to improve their roads, bridges, and water and sewage systems to adjust for the uptick in launches, which in turn means more tourists.

During their City Commission meeting Tuesday evening, Cape Canaveral city officials will discuss the potential of writing a grant proposal for state or federal funding.

That money would be used for infrastructure resiliency because of the impacts that larger rockets like NASA’s Artemis moon rocket, called Space Launch System, and SpaceX’s Starship could have on the area.

Space expert Ken Kremer tells Spectrum News 13 that action is needed to manage water, sewage and pollution control, and to update local roads and bridges. Especially if the number of launches continues to rise.

“There will be monumental traffic jams on a continuous basis. Now, it’s occasional, especially when we have the big launches and when there’s cruise ships there,” Kremer explained. “So, it’s the cruise ships and the rockets that are causing a need for infrastructure improvements.”

Kremer also says that more launches will bring in more money, space companies and tourists to the area.

But that will all mean nothing if the surrounding areas cannot support it.

And for Cape Canaveral, Kremer says that also means the port.

So, he would like to also see the port and space companies step up to the table to give a helping hand when it comes to infrastructure as well.

The Federal Aviation Administration looked at possible sound interference, like noise driven by landings and sonic booms.

Studies from the FAA also show that noises in places like Cape Canaveral could reach 110 decibels, which is the equivalent of being at a rock concert or being 3 feet away from a chainsaw.

Potential airspace closures were also a part of the considerations, as launches could potentially lead to delays or re-routing of international flights.

Cape Canaveral’s City Council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at  City Hall.