Area 51? Well Maybe LC-51

Cape Canaveral S.F.S. FL- UPDATE to a previous story.

Aerial Stock Image By: Michael Howard - We Report Space

Is Cape Canaveral getting a new launch pad? Well, maybe……

Several outlets have been reporting that the military is looking at the idea of placing a new launch complex a couple of miles south of the current LC-46. The area in question might possibly be an undeveloped area near the historic pads of LC-25, LC-29 and LC-17.

We Report Space reached out to Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD45) and they were gracious to respond to our inquiry.

In the press release from SLD-45:

“The Department of the Air Force is preparing an assessment to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the relocation of military launch operations from Space Launch Complex 46 to another location within the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Space Launch Delta 45 is the proponent of this action.”

Continuing in the release from SLD-45:

“The purpose of the proposed action is for SLD 45 to relocate the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Army launch operations from SLC-46 to a location outside all commercial space launch providers’ explosive clear zones on CCSFS. Currently, SLC-36 and SLC-46 cannot operate simultaneously without disruption, as SLC-46 is within the explosive clear zone for SLC-36. This relocation would ensure safe and efficient use of launch infrastructure, reduce scheduling conflicts, and support both military and commercial space activities while safeguarding national security missions and enhancing overall launch capacity. The need for the proposed action is to deconflict operations and preserve national security requirements while assuring access to the Eastern Range and enabling the Department of War, NASA, and other federal and commercial partners to conduct operations safely, with minimal disruptions, and with greater operational flexibility.”

This new complex (if built) would then be the closest launch complex to the very active entrance to Port Canaveral. Now confirmed as a possibility, this new launch site would possibly be called LC-51. Should this pad be developed and become a reality, it could very possibly disrupt the dozens of cruise and cargo ships that come and go daily from Port Canaveral.

Article by: Michael Howard – We Report Space

Aerial Stock Images By: Michael Howard – We Report Space

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