US Air Force approves plans to convert SLC-37 launch complex at Cape Canaveral for Starship launch vehicle. Загалом компанія SpaceX планує побудувати два пускові майданчики та допоміжну інфраструктуру. One of them is already under construction at the LC-39A launch complex. However, more infrastructure is needed to implement the company's large-scale plans.
The SLC-37 launch complex was built in the 1960s. In the period from 1964 by 1968 year it was used to launch Saturn rockets 1, after which it was canned. IN 21 In the 20th century, the complex was converted for launches of the Delta IV carrier of the United Launch Alliance. The last Delta IV Heavy was launched from this site in April 2024 year.
Final approval of SpaceX's plans came after the publication of an environmental report on the impact of Starship on the environment. Research has proven, that construction
and operation of the Starship launch pad on SLC-37, which implies to 76 of Starship/Super Heavy launches per year and 152 landing of the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage of the Starship, загалом не матимуть значного впливу на навколишнє середовище. Одним із ключових винятків був шум від запусків і посадок, проте дослідження дійшло висновку, that areas of significant structural damage from noise and overpressure will be limited to the Canaveral Space Base area
and the nearby Kennedy Space Center. However, unfortified buildings in these areas may be vulnerable.
With three launch sites in Florida, Starship will be ready to support US national security and Artemis objectives, as the world's leading spaceport continues to grow, to secure a job, similar to airport operations.
Source: https://universemagazine.com