Contracts · Space access
Space Force targets third spaceport by 2030, Air & Space Forces Magazine reports
Space Systems Command head Philip Garrant called the 2030 goal for medium and heavy launch aspirational, Air & Space Forces Magazine reported.
The Space Force needs a third spaceport for medium and heavy launch by 2030, Space Systems Command head Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant said, Air & Space Forces Magazine reported. Speaking to reporters Oct. 21 at AFCEA's Space Industry Days, he called the goal “aspirational.”1
Space Systems Command head calls 2030 third-spaceport goal aspirational
Third-spaceport planning and existing-range upgrades
The allocation covers upgrades at existing ranges. Garrant called the third-spaceport goal aspirational.
Reported by Air & Space Forces Magazine, Oct. 21, 2026. As of Oct. 22, 2026.
Investment in the existing ranges is proceeding alongside planning for a third site, Air & Space Forces Magazine reported. The Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg ranges expect to run out of space in coming years as government and commercial launch demand grows, the magazine reported.1
A newly formed operational planning team is examining what building the spaceport would require, including options to buy or lease land. Garrant said a public-private partnership, commercial land and a new federal installation remain under consideration, with no decision made.1
Congress allocated $1.3 billion in 2024 for Spaceport of the Future upgrades at the existing ranges, Air & Space Forces Magazine reported. The allocation covers upgrades through 2028. The service plans to request more funding in its fiscal 2028 budget request for launch pads, support facilities, roads, bridges and access to propellant and water at those ranges.1
Sources (1)
- Air & Space Forces Magazine: Space Force Needs Third Launch Range by 2030, Acquisition Leader Says www.airandspaceforces.com