NASA Kennedy Space Center To Become America's Multi User Spaceport with New NASA Plan

NASA and Space Florida have released a comprehensive Environmental Assessment (EA) for the implementation of the Space Commerce District Area Development Plan (ADP), laying the groundwork for a significant expansion of commercial space activity at Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

The assessment evaluates the potential environmental effects of transforming nearly 784 acres of land within KSC into a modern hub for space commerce, research, tourism, and infrastructure.

The EA, prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and NASA’s own regulatory framework, marks a major step in turning the KSC Vision Plan into actionable development. The ADP aims to support the continued growth of a vibrant commercial space sector, a national strategic priority per the 2020 National Space Policy, while safeguarding sensitive environmental and cultural resources.

A Multi-User Spaceport Vision

Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, Kennedy Space Center has evolved from a single-user launch complex into a dynamic, multi-user spaceport. The 2012–2032 KSC Master Plan first outlined this transformation, and the Space Commerce District has since emerged as a focal point for private-sector growth.

Home to more than 90 commercial partners and 250 partnership agreements, KSC now houses spacecraft assembly centers, public engagement venues, and aerospace manufacturing hubs.

The Space Commerce District ADP, completed by Space Florida in February 2024 and funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, outlines conceptual planning for 16 land parcels encompassing approximately 783.7 acres.

The EA details infrastructure elements, height restrictions (up to 200 feet), staging areas, environmental compliance protocols, and required permits for utilities, stormwater management, and wetland protection.

Purpose and Scope of the Development

The primary objectives of the ADP include:

• Supporting NASA's mission while enabling non-NASA entities to use excess facilities and land

• Enhancing infrastructure to lower the cost of access to space

• Promoting flexibility and adaptability for future commercial needs

• Preserving and protecting environmental and cultural assets within and around the development zones

Under the proposed action, conceptual designs would allow for the construction of commercial aerospace facilities, labs, administrative offices, visitor-serving facilities, and support infrastructure.

Environmental Safeguards and Best Practices

The EA includes a robust set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize environmental impacts and to protect sensitive species, particularly nesting sea turtles.

• Use of amber LED lighting in compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biological opinions

• Avoidance and minimization of impacts to federally regulated wetlands

• Dewatering and stormwater management procedures coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

• Construction on previously disturbed or non-sensitive land when possible

• Coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for wetlands delineation and Clean Water Act permits

Construction will require compliance with a range of regulatory requirements, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Environmental Resource Permits (ERP), and Industrial Wastewater Permits.

Alternatives and Screening

The EA evaluates two primary alternatives:

1. No Action Alternative – Continues current commercial use but lacks coordinated planning, leading to fragmented development and suboptimal land use.

2. Proposed Action – Implements the comprehensive ADP with an integrated, environmentally sensitive approach to development.

Other alternatives, such as using land outside the district or altering designated land use categories, were deemed infeasible and not carried forward for detailed analysis.

Cumulative Impact Considerations

The EA also identifies and evaluates potential cumulative impacts from other ongoing and foreseeable projects at KSC and surrounding areas. These include:

• Airbus U.S. Facility Expansion – Infrastructure work underway on 5.7 acres for an assembly facility.

• 15-Year Visitor Complex Development – Projected to double annual visitors by 2038.

• Exploration Park North Astronaut Training Center – A 66-acre development including accommodations and training facilities.

• Project Comet (Amazon Kuiper) – A payload processing complex northeast of the district.

• SpaceX Roberts Road Expansion – A 100-acre site adding 1.5 million sq. ft. of industrial facilities.

• Blue Origin OLS Manufacturing Complex Expansion – Multiple facilities totaling over 100 acres for rocket manufacturing and testing.

Although some of these projects may overlap in timeline or geographic proximity, the EA found no significant cumulative environmental effects when BMPs and required permitting are in place.

Next Steps

NASA will continue to review individual construction proposals within the Space Commerce District through its KSC Site Plan Review and Environmental Checklist process. Each future project must secure necessary permits, demonstrate compliance with the ADP, and minimize impacts to sensitive resources.

The EA's release represents another milestone in NASA’s commitment to enabling a robust commercial space sector while maintaining its role as a responsible steward of the unique and ecologically important environment that surrounds Kennedy Space Center.

“America’s spaceport is open for business. This development plan ensures that as we go forward to the Moon and Mars, we’re also creating jobs and opportunity right here on Earth.” - Former NASA Administrator, Bill Nelson

Public comments on the EA will be accepted through the end of May 2025 before NASA issues its final decision regarding the Proposed Action.