Space launch centers in US

Crews departing from Florida for space missions, including missions to the International Space Station (ISS), are typically launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) or Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex in Florida, USA. Florida has been a major hub for human spaceflight in the United States for decades. Here are some key facilities in Florida that have played a central role in launching astronauts into space.

1. Kennedy Space Center (KSC): Located on Merritt Island, Florida, the Kennedy Space Center has been the primary launch site for crewed space missions conducted by NASA. It is home to launch complexes, including Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B), which have been used for numerous historic missions, including the Apollo moon missions and Space Shuttle launches.

2. Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex (SLC): Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, which is adjacent to Kennedy Space Center, has been used for a variety of space missions, including crewed missions. Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) and Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) are examples of launch sites used for crewed and uncrewed missions.

3. SpaceX Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A): SpaceX, a private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company, has leased Launch Complex 39A from NASA at KSC. SpaceX uses LC-39A for launches of its Crew Dragon spacecraft, which carry astronauts to the ISS as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

4. Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40): SpaceX also uses SLC-40 for launching Falcon 9 rockets, which are used for a variety of missions, including those with cargo and crew destined for the ISS.

5. SpaceX Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41): While primarily used for United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V launches, SLC-41 has also been used for crewed and uncrewed missions, including missions to the ISS.

6. Orbital Launch Site: Private companies like Northrop Grumman and Blue Origin have their own launch facilities in Florida for various missions, including resupply missions to the ISS.

Florida's geographical location, proximity to the equator, and extensive infrastructure make it an ideal location for launching spacecraft into orbit. This region has played a central role in NASA's space exploration efforts and continues to be a hub for both government and commercial spaceflight missions.

In addition to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex in Florida, the United States has several other major space launch centers and facilities for conducting a wide range of space missions. Here are some of the most significant ones:

1. Vandenberg Space Force Base (formerly Vandenberg Air Force Base):

   • Location: California
   • Vandenberg SFB is a key space launch site on the west coast of the United States. It is known for launching a variety of satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits.

2. Wallops Flight Facility:

   • Location: Virginia
   • Operated by NASA, Wallops is used for a wide range of scientific and commercial rocket launches. It is particularly well-suited for launching small to medium-sized payloads into various orbits.

3. Spaceport America:

   • Location: New Mexico
   • Spaceport America is a commercial spaceport used for suborbital and orbital launches. It is home to Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo and has hosted other commercial spaceflight operations.

4. Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS):

   • Location: Virginia
   • MARS is a commercial spaceport that supports various launch vehicles and payloads, including resupply missions to the ISS.

5. Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska (PSCA):

   • Location: Kodiak Island, Alaska
   • PSCA is used for launching small and medium-sized rockets, often carrying scientific and research payloads into polar orbits.

6. Cecil Spaceport:

   • Location: Jacksonville, Florida
   • Cecil Spaceport is a commercial spaceport in Florida that supports a variety of aerospace activities, including suborbital launches and testing.

7. Mojave Air and Space Port:

   • Location: California
   • Mojave is known as a hub for commercial aerospace development and testing. It is home to several private aerospace companies and has been used for suborbital flights and spaceplane testing.

8. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (formerly Cape Canaveral Air Force Station):

   • Location: Florida
   • Cape Canaveral SFS, adjacent to Kennedy Space Center, is used for a wide range of space launches, including military, scientific, and commercial missions.

9. White Sands Missile Range:

   • Location: New Mexico
   • White Sands is used for a variety of missile tests and research launches, including some suborbital space missions.

SpaceX has a launch center at Boca Chica (Texas). Starship tests are being carried out at Boca Chica. First starship flight was launched on April 20, 2023. Another is expected in late 2023.