SpaceX is preparing to break ground on a new towering launchpad in Cape Canaveral, Florida, as part of its ambitious expansion plans. According to recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) filings, construction on the 380-foot-tall Gigabay launchpad could begin as soon as April and is projected to be completed by August 2026.

This new facility aligns with SpaceX’s broader mission of interplanetary travel, particularly its goal of sending an unmanned spacecraft to Mars by 2026. The FAA documents label the project as a “work in progress” but do not specify the total cost of construction or name a general contractor.

A Strategic Location for Starship Operations

The FAA-listed coordinates place the new Gigabay close to SpaceX’s Roberts Road facilities, an area beyond public access near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This strategic location offers the company privacy and security while allowing it to focus on large-scale Starship operations, Florida Today reported.

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur at the helm of SpaceX and leader of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, has been driving SpaceX’s rapid infrastructure expansion. The Florida Gigabay will complement existing SpaceX facilities, such as its Megabay in Texas, which serves a similar function—stacking and preparing the 232-foot-tall Super Heavy rockets for launch.

The Super Heavy rocket, a reusable first-stage booster, is a critical component of SpaceX’s Starship launch system. When fully stacked, Starship reaches a height of over 400 feet, making it one of the tallest launch vehicles ever developed.

SpaceX’s Growing Infrastructure Across the U.S.

SpaceX has been expanding its footprint with cutting-edge facilities designed to support its ambitious spaceflight goals. Some of the company’s key infrastructure includes:

The Build Facility in Hawthorne, California

The company’s headquarters, where reusable rockets and spacecraft components are designed and manufactured.

The McGregor, Texas, Rocket Testing and Development Facility

A sprawling 4,000-acre site housing 16 specialized test stands for engine and propulsion system evaluations.

The Space Launch Complex in Cape Canaveral, Florida

One of SpaceX’s primary sites for rocket launches.

Financial Challenges in SpaceX’s Expansion

While SpaceX has been aggressively constructing new facilities, the company has faced financial disputes with contractors and suppliers. A Reuters investigation revealed that SpaceX has been slow in compensating builders, leading to multiple liens filed against its properties. Contractors have had to take legal action to secure payments for their work, raising concerns about the company's financial practices.

Despite these challenges, SpaceX continues to push forward with its ambitious expansion efforts, solidifying its position as a leader in commercial spaceflight. The upcoming Florida Gigabay launchpad is expected to play a crucial role in SpaceX’s long-term vision, paving the way for deeper space exploration and future Mars missions.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in Construction Dive.