Sec. 1502. Study on future space launch capacity
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The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study to assess the operational capacity, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability of heavy and super heavy space launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base, with a focus on evaluating the suitability of such sites for ongoing and future missions, and to explore alternate launch locations that may offer advantages with respect to mission-efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and strategic value. The study required by subsection
(a)shall include the following: An analysis of the current capacity and use of the heavy and super heavy space launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base, including existing infrastructure, launch frequencies, and operational efficiency. A detailed evaluation of the infrastructure at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base, including transportation access, environmental considerations, safety protocols, the adequacy of current facilities to support heavy and super heavy space launches, and the estimated costs of maintaining and upgrading such infrastructure. A review of environmental regulations, policies, and potential impacts related to heavy and super heavy space launches at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base, including any limitations or challenges imposed by Federal, State, or local regulations and an evaluation of potential strategies to mitigate adverse environmental effects. A comparative analysis of alternate locations for heavy and super heavy space launches, including sites on Federal lands, private land partnerships, and locations outside the continental United States. Such analysis shall consider geographic, environmental, logistical, and regulatory factors that may make alternate locations viable or advantageous, including cost comparisons and potential challenges in establishing infrastructure at such locations. An examination of the manner in which Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and any potential alternate locations align with national defense and space exploration goals, including launch site proximity to key orbital paths, security considerations, and redundancy for critical missions. An exploration of the manner in which advancements in space launch technology, including reusable launch vehicles and space traffic management, could influence the future demand and operational needs for heavy and super heavy space launch sites. An assessment of any innovative technologies that could enhance the capacity or reduce the environmental impact of existing or alternate heavy and super heavy space launch sites. A financial analysis of the long-term costs associated with the use and maintenance of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base for heavy and super heavy space launches, and the estimated costs for establishing and operating alternative heavy and super heavy space launch sites. Such analysis shall include considerations applicable to Government funding, private sector partnerships, and cost-sharing models. The study required by subsection
(a)shall be conducted in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including commercial space industry representatives, environmental agencies, and local governments. Not later than March 31, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study required by subsection (a). The report required by paragraph
(1)shall include the following: Recommendations on the future use of heavy and super heavy space launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and alternate locations. A summary of findings and recommendations on the continued use of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base for heavy and super heavy space launches. A detailed analysis of alternate launch sites, including strategic, operational, and financial considerations. Policy recommendations for addressing infrastructure needs, environmental concerns, and regulatory challenges for heavy and super heavy space launch operations. A summary of stakeholder input and any proposed legislative or regulatory changes based on the findings of the study.