SpaceX has announced an expansion in Florida for $1.8 billion that will include a new launch site for the Starship, the largest rocket in the world and key to the United States' plans for a permanent return to the Moon. The Gigabay base will be located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in central Florida, and it is expected to exceed the size and capacity of the Texas base.
The new launch platform of SpaceX at Launch Complex 39A of the Kennedy Space Center is under construction. The launch tower has already been assembled and the deflector system designed to dissipate heat and noise during launches and landings of Starship will soon be installed. If environmental reviews conclude favorably, the first launch of Starship from Florida is expected to take place by the end of 2025.
Additionally, SpaceX is evaluating the possibility of using Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for future Starship and Super Heavy flights. This expansion aims to increase the frequency of Starship flights, which is crucial for space exploration objectives and the creation of a self-sustaining city on Mars.
SpaceX also plans to develop a Starship factory in Florida, similar to the Starfactory in Texas, which will allow for the local production of these spacecraft. The new base, along with these additional facilities, will contribute to the company's goal of reducing costs and significantly increasing access to space for scientific, commercial, and national security missions.
According to SpaceX, the construction of the Gigabay in Florida represents a $1.8 billion investment and is expected to generate around 600 new jobs by 2030. This expansion is part of SpaceX's plans to continue advancing the development of innovative space technologies and provide solutions for future space travel.
