SpaceX plans for major Starship expansion at Kennedy Space Center
SpaceX is expanding its , bringing it to the Space Coast.
"I think it's crazy exciting," Philip Metzger said. "Right now, we're getting about one or even two launches per week. But the goal for SpaceX is to do about 10 launches per day."
is the director of the Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity and Education at the University of Central Florida. He said the plans for the new integration facility will help the local economy.
"They're looking to have about 600 people working, building Starships on the Space Coast," Metzger said. "Those are going to be really good jobs for Central Florida. They'll be manufacturing jobs, and there's going to be a multiplier effect supporting that manufacturing, the supply chain, and the local economy."
The Gigabay will stand 390 feet tall with approximately 46.5 million cubic feet of interior processing space and 815,000 square feet of workspace, located on Kennedy Space Center, south of the shuttle landing facility, according to SpaceX.
Just two weeks ago, WESH 2 from the FAA showing construction for the Gigabay is set to begin April 1. While it was previously listed as a "work in progress," it is now listed as "interim."
In a , Gov. Ron DeSantis congratulated SpaceX on its plans to bring operations to Florida. He added, "With leading space companies鈥攏ow including SpaceX鈥攊nvesting in the Free State of Florida, NASA should scrap their expensive new HQ in D.C. and consider moving to Florida as well."
The push to move headquarters has been backed by Space Florida, which said it "" to have headquarters here.
There are some concerns over Starship launches after its test flight ended with a in January.
Metzger explained there is a complex flight route at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas.
"From Boca Chica, Texas, they have to launch at only one particular angle in order to thread the needle between Cuba and Puerto Rico on the south and Key West on the north," Metzger said. "It's a very limiting launch trajectory. But here from the Cape, they can launch into a wide variety of orbital inclinations. That's going to be crucial for their operations in the future."
There are concerns from local scientists and environmentalists.
"Extensive environmental analysis must be done so the lagoon and infrastructure are protected," research scientist said. "SpaceX should pay for all improvements. The FAA should not be bullied by Musk."
SpaceX said that pending environmental reviews, which are ongoing, it plans to conduct Starship's first Florida launch in late 2025.
Video below: SpaceX rocket debris in Hobe Sound