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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — While the number of Space Coast launches in 2025 already has surpassed the old record, space industry leaders say they expect that number to triple in the coming years.
What You Need To Know
- The number of launches from the Space Coast are expected to continue to increase
- 45th Space Launch Delta Commander Col. Brian Chatman says 100-120 launches are planned for 2026
- There could be 300 missions a year in the next 10-15 years, industry leaders say
- The Department of the Air Force has allocated $800 million to Brevard County to reshape the current infrastructure to support more future launches
In fact, there could be more as soon as next year.
“100 to 120 is what we are planning for right now for calendar year 2026,” said 45th Space Launch Delta Commander Col. Brian Chatman, who assumed command in June.
The U.S. Department of the Air Force has allocated $800 million to the Space Coast to restructure the spaceport of the future and reshape the current infrastructure to support launch capabilities to the 2035 and 2040 time frame.
There could be 300 missions a year in the next 10-15 years, with about a half-dozen smaller companies joining the large operations already in Brevard County, industry leaders say.
On Nov. 20, a SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying Starlink satellites blasted off from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A — marking the 100th launch from the Space Coast this year.
Just six launches before that, the 94th liftoff broke the old record.
In early November, three commercial space companies launched off four different pads in less than 36 hours — SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin.
Six more launches still are planned from the Space Coast by the end of the year — five by SpaceX and one by ULA.
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Greg Pallone
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