// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Launch Site
A launch site is the geographical location or facility where rockets are launched into space. It typically includes multiple launch complexes and support infrastructure.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Launch Site is a designated geographical location or facility, often a spaceport, equipped with the necessary infrastructure, including launch complexes, processing facilities, and range safety systems, for the assembly, preparation, and launch of space vehicles.
BACKGROUND
As of July 24, 2026, the SpaceX Starship has been launched 13 times, with 8 successes and 5 failures. SpaceX has developed Starship with the intention of lowering launch costs using economies of scale. It aims to achieve this by reusing both rocket stages, increasing payload mass to orbit, increasing launch frequency, creating a mass-manufacturing pipeline and adapting it to a wide range of space missions. Starship is the latest project in SpaceX's reusable launch system development program and plan to colonize Mars, and is one of two landing systems selected by NASA for the Artemis program's crewed Lunar missions.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Spaceport
- Cosmodrome
- Rocket Base
- Launch Facility
USAGE NOTE
The new launch site is designed to accommodate multiple types of rockets.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Launch Site.
Develops and operates multiple private launch sites and associated ground infrastructure, including launch pads, integration facilities, and landing zones for its Falcon and Starship launch vehicles.
Developing and operating its own dedicated launch complex (Launch Complex 36) at Cape Canaveral, including advanced ground systems, propellant loading facilities, and launch integration for its New Glenn rocket.
Owns and operates private orbital launch sites, Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and Launch Complex 2 in Virginia, developing and managing all aspects of ground support equipment and launch infrastructure.
Building and operating its own launch complex (LC-16) at Cape Canaveral for its Terran rockets, focusing on automated launch operations and additive manufacturing technologies for ground support equipment.
Operates and maintains launch complexes at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base, continuously upgrading and developing launch site technologies for Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur.
Manages the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and develops infrastructure and technologies for next-generation launch sites, facilitating both government and commercial space launches.
Operates the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, developing and maintaining launch pads, integration facilities, and ground systems for Ariane, Vega, and Soyuz rockets, including the new Ariane 6 launch complex.
Developing its own launch site infrastructure and ground support equipment for its Spectrum rocket, focusing on efficient and flexible launch operations from northern Europe.