Supporting space industry growth requires long-term planning and modernization
A recent Space Florida study recommends an investment of more than $2 billion to expand Port Canaveral to meet the growing needs of companies involved in space mission launches. Currently, Port Canaveral is used by SpaceX for the recovery of launch vehicles and Dragon spacecraft, and by United Launch Alliance to deliver launch vehicles. Other companies such as Blue Origin and Relativity Space are also expected to begin using the port in the next few years.
However, the study found that the port's current capacity is insufficient to meet the needs of these companies, as well as the growing number of cruise ships and U.S. Navy submarine bases. Space Florida report calls Port Canaveral's current infrastructure a «major growth constraint» for the space transportation industry.
Predictions of exponential growth were made based on the estimates of the companies participating in the launches. The total number of port recovery and launch operations involving ships is expected to increase from 197 in 2028 to 1,252 in 2073, according to the report. This means that each of these operations will involve four vessels.
Space Florida report recommends short- and long-term development of Port Canaveral. In the next 5-10 years, it is planned to modernize one of the sections of the port, deepen it and build a new pier to receive additional ships. It will cost approximately $220 million. The long-term proposal calls for a significant expansion of the basin to the north, adding a large number of additional berths. The total cost of this expansion would be $1.9 billion over 10–50 years.
However, government funding in the form of grants will be required to finance this development. Otherwise, company fees will increase significantly to cover costs.
Experts note that investment in the development of Port Canaveral is strategically important to maintain and expand the growing space industry. The development of the port will allow companies to more efficiently use spatial resources and provide a reliable and safe infrastructure for the recovery and launch of rockets and spacecraft.
Discussions on this proposal will be held statewide in Florida and will involve authorities at the federal level. The exact funding plan and start time for proposals have not yet been determined.
Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, commented on the study: «In response to market demands from the commercial space and maritime sectors, as well as our military partners, Space Florida led this study, to create a unified path that addresses the aspirations and challenges of both space and port operations».
The Port Canaveral Authority, which operates the port, also participated in the study and supported its findings. John Murray, the administration's executive director, said: «We look forward to continuing to collaborate with federal and state partners to implement solutions that ensure the continued success of the industry».
Space Florida said it plans to seek «strategic federal funding opportunities» to support the expansion of Port Canaveral, and work to secure support from other stakeholders. The company also intends to conduct additional research to explore the capabilities of other seaports in the state to support the space industry.