From Historic Launches to Bold New Frontiers: SpaceX’s Evolving Strategy

SpaceX completes its transition from the LC-39A launch complex at Kennedy Space Center, traditionally a site for Dragon spacecraft launches, transferring all future manned missions to pad SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral. This is supported by ongoing infrastructure work at 39A and statements from company and NASA representatives. As a result, one of the most famous launch pads in space history is gradually shifting to a new role: a base for Falcon Heavy launches and the prospective Starship system.

In the predawn hours of February 4, a massive Liebherr LR13000 crane was installed beside the crew access tower at LC-39A. Subsequently, a support structure was assembled around the crew boarding arm-for either removal or repair work. NASA confirmed that SpaceX notified the agency in advance about the planned operations, but it declined to comment on the details. SpaceX has also not provided any official explanations.

Senior SpaceX manager for manned missions, Lee Eckert, earlier discussed this new launch scheme during a briefing on January 30 in Houston. According to him, most Falcon 9 launches in Florida will now occur from site SLC-40, and all missions involving Dragon spacecraft are being moved there as well. This allows the LC-39A site to focus on Falcon Heavy launches and preparations for the first Starship launches from the US East Coast.

A similar position was expressed by SpaceX’s vice president of launches, Kiko Donchev, in December. He noted that the Starlink 6-99 mission was the last Falcon 9 standalone launch from 39A for a long time, as the company fully transitions to heavy rockets and Starship development.

NASA emphasizes that the change in launch site does not affect the safety and reliability of manned flights. The agency reminded that the Commercial Crew program is not tied to a specific complex and envisions launches from both SLC-40 and, if necessary, LC-39A in the future. The modernization of the SLC-40 site for manned missions began in 2023 and was completed in 2024. The first Dragon spacecraft launch from this site was the CRS-30 cargo mission in March 2024. In September of that year, the first manned mission-Crew-9 with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov-launched from there. The next crew, Crew-12, is scheduled to depart for the ISS no earlier than February 11.

NASA previously noted that having two fully operational manned launch sites in Florida significantly increases the program’s flexibility. Program manager Daniel Forrestal mentioned that in recent years, one of the main problems has become the availability of launch complexes due to the sharp increase in the number of launches.

Alongside the changes in launch pad operations, SpaceX has obtained important regulatory approvals for the development of the Starship program. On January 30, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published documents authorizing up to 44 launches and 88 landings of the Starship-Super Heavy system per year in Florida, as well as the construction of necessary infrastructure. The decision was made following an environmental review that began in August 2025.

According to FAA documents, SpaceX plans to redevelop about 70,000 square meters at LC-39A, including launch and landing pads, towers, fuel production systems, and water reservoirs. Annual water consumption is estimated at 297 million gallons (about 1.1 billion liters). The construction of a liquefied natural gas storage facility is also planned, which must meet strict safety requirements.

The regulator noted that engine tests, launches, and landings could lead to temporary closures of sites for nearly 10% of the calendar year-up to 396 hours for tests and up to 462 hours for launches and returns. The initial Starship launches from Florida remain uncertain in timing, but could begin in the second half of 2026. In August 2025, Kiko Donchev stated that by then, the rocket would be well tested in Texas and would not be “experimental” for local launch sites. According to him, “a tried and tested machine” would arrive in Florida.

The next Starship test flight will debut version 3 with updated Raptor engines. An exact date has not yet been announced, but Elon Musk previously mentioned that a launch from the Starbase in Texas is possible as early as March.

As a result, SpaceX gradually redistributes the roles of its key launch complexes: SLC-40 becomes the main platform for Dragon missions, while the legendary LC-39A becomes a center for heavy rockets and future interplanetary programs. This transition reflects the company’s strategy for scaling up launches and preparing for regular flights to the Moon and Mars.