BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A new launch tower is rising at the Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39-A.
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It will hold the launch pad for its new Starship and Super Heavy Booster which are expected to take humans back to the moon and beyond.
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Channel 9 cameras were rolling this week as the fourth of nine segments arrived to support future space coast operations.
“We retired the space shuttle January 2011, and we had a vision to create this multi-user space port, and you’re seeing that come to fruition today,” Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning said.
According to Manning, the structure will sit inside the same perimeter as the existing Falcon 9 launch pad.
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NASA and SpaceX are also looking into hardening the existing structure.
“We want to make sure that before SpaceX is allowed to launch that Starship rocket inside of 39A, that it’s safe for the facility, the personnel, and we have our programs and projects teamed closely with SpaceX to do evaluations, the analysis, to make sure it’s safe,” Manning said.
SpaceX is also looking to build up its existing operation on Roberts Road by the current Hangar X site. The Hangar X facility is used primarily for processing and storage of the company’s Falcon boosters and payload fairings.
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They’re also looking to expand office space and eventually do production of the Starship Rocket right at the space center.
Currently, SpaceX is still working toward the Starship’s first orbital flight test in Boca Chica, Texas.
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