FAA allows increase in SpaceX launch cadence
September 4, 2025
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved SpaceX increasing launch cadence at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s SLC-40 to 120 Falcon 9 launches per year (up from 50/year) plus construction of a landing zone at SLC-40 and up to 34 first stage landings there per year.
The full decision from the FCC says:
· Up to 120 Falcon 9 launches annually at SLC-40, an increase of 70 launches annually from the 50 previously analyzed
· Construction and operation of a landing zone at SLC-40
· Up to 34 Falcon 9 first-stage booster landings annually at the new SLC-40 landing zone.
Constructing and operating the new landing zone at SLC-40 would require a real property agreement between SpaceX and the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
SpaceX can have static fire tests up to 40 times per year. SpaceX can land its Falcon 9 boosters up to 120 times per year.
The FAA previously released the Draft Environmental Assessment for SpaceX Falcon 9 Operations at Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (Draft EA) on March 14th. The public comment period closed on May 15th. All comments received on the Draft Environmental Assessment were given equal weight and taken into consideration, says the Administration.
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