FAA Planning Schedule Targets December Launches for SpaceX Starship and Blue Origin New Glenn in Florida

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Florida's Space Coast could see two significant heavy-lift rocket milestones before the end of 2026, with new Federal Aviation Administration planning information identifying tentative December launch dates for SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn.

According to scheduling information presented during an FAA planning conference Thursday, SpaceX is targeting December 10 for Starship Flight 16, which would mark the first launch of the fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket from Florida. Blue Origin is targeting no earlier than December 28 for New Glenn's return to flight following a ground-testing accident earlier this year.

Both dates are preliminary and remain subject to technical readiness, regulatory approvals, and operational considerations.

Starship Targets First Florida Launch

SpaceX's first Florida-based Starship mission is currently expected to launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

The December 10 target would follow Starship Flight 15, tentatively scheduled for November 8 from the company's Starbase facility in South Texas.

Until now, SpaceX has conducted its integrated Starship flight tests from Texas. Expanding operations to Florida would establish an additional launch location for the company's next-generation transportation system.

Launch Complex 39A has previously supported NASA's Apollo lunar missions, space shuttle launches, and numerous Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions.

SpaceX has been developing dedicated Starship infrastructure at the historic complex, including a launch tower, propellant storage systems, and ground equipment designed for the much larger vehicle.

The rocket combines the Super Heavy booster with the Starship upper stage, using methane and liquid oxygen propellants. Both stages are being developed for eventual reuse.

However, the company must complete the necessary preparations and obtain applicable FAA launch authorization before conducting Starship operations from Kennedy Space Center.

New Glenn Return to Flight Targeted for December 28

The FAA planning information also identifies December 28 as the target for Blue Origin's next New Glenn launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The heavy-lift rocket has remained grounded following a May 28 accident during integrated ground testing at Launch Complex 36.

The incident destroyed the vehicle and damaged critical launch infrastructure, requiring extensive restoration work before operations could resume.

Blue Origin has been working to modify its launch preparation procedures and restore the facility, including adopting a revised vehicle integration process.

The December target provides a more specific milestone following the company's earlier commitment to return New Glenn to flight before the end of the year.

New Glenn is designed to carry commercial, government, and scientific payloads into orbit, using a reusable first stage powered by seven BE-4 engines.

The rocket is also central to Blue Origin's plans to expand its launch business and compete for national security and commercial missions.

FAA Reviews Increased New Glenn Launch Cadence

The scheduling information emerged on the same day the FAA held a separate public meeting concerning Blue Origin's proposed increase in launch activity at Cape Canaveral.

The agency is reviewing a proposal to increase New Glenn's maximum annual launch cadence at Space Launch Complex 36A from 12 to 50 launches.

That environmental review is separate from the immediate return-to-flight effort and does not guarantee approval of the proposed operational expansion.

Blue Origin recently announced additional investments in Florida manufacturing, launch infrastructure, and offshore booster recovery capabilities to support more frequent missions.

Two Major Milestones for Florida's Space Coast

The potential December launches would represent separate but important milestones for two competing heavy-lift launch systems.

For SpaceX, the first Florida Starship flight would extend a development program previously based in Texas to the Kennedy Space Center.

For Blue Origin, a successful New Glenn mission would demonstrate its ability to resume launch operations following the May accident.

Neither company has confirmed a specific liftoff time for the proposed December missions.

Attention now turns to Starship's remaining Texas flight tests, completion of launch infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center, and Blue Origin's ongoing restoration work at Launch Complex 36.

Florida Spaceflight will continue tracking both programs as their launch targets and operational readiness develop.