US Space Force Eyes Capacity, Launch Pace Upgrades for Spaceports

The U.S. Space Force is studying requirements for future spaceports amid a potential $1.3 billion in modernization funds for fiscal years 2024 to 2028.

Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, the Space Force’s program executive officer for assured access to space, said work is underway to define the capacity and pace of launch such facilities need to provide, SpaceNews reported Monday.

Panzenhagen commands Space Launch 45 Delta, the unit in charge of the Space Force’s Eastern Range of launch facilities.

Speaking at a recent Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association event, Panzenhagen noted that the service branch’s biggest modernization priority is to grow spaceports’ capacity to process and prepare satellites for launch. Collective thinking is needed to reduce the time needed to integrate spacecraft into a launch pad, she explained.

According to Panzenhagen, another priority is to improve spaceport infrastructure, which includes anything used to transport rockets and satellites to launch pads.

Other goals include upgrading port access, power systems, physical security and information technology architecture.