SpaceX facilities#SpaceX high-altitude test facility.2C New Mexico

File:COTS 2 Falcon launches.jpg

In 2007, the US Air Force leased Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 to SpaceX to launch the Falcon 9 rocket.{{cite web |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/2007/04/spacex-cleared-for-cape-launches.html |title=SpaceX cleared for Cape launches |work=Florida Today |first=John |last=Kelly |date=April 25, 2007 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930030616/http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/spaceteam/2007/04/spacex-cleared-for-cape-launches.html |archive-date = September 30, 2007}} During April 2008, construction started on the ground facilities necessary to support the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Renovations included installation of new liquid oxygen and kerosene tanks and construction of a hangar for rocket and payload preparation.

The first Falcon 9 rocket arrived at SLC-40 in late 2008, and was first erected on January 10, 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20090112 |title=SpaceX's Falcon 9 on Launch Pad at Cape Canaveral |work=SpaceX.com |first=Emily |last=Shanklin |date=January 12, 2009 |access-date=June 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201235841/http://spacex.com/press.php?page=20090112 |archive-date=February 1, 2009 |url-status=dead }} It successfully reached orbit on its maiden launch on June 4, 2010, carrying a dummy payload qualification unit. SpaceX modified the launch pad in 2013 in order to support launches of the Falcon 9 v1.1 launch vehicle, a 60 percent heavier rocket with 60 percent more thrust on realigned engines{{cite web |title=Falcon 9's commercial promise to be tested in 2013 |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1211/17f9customers/#.UKfUruQ0V8E |publisher=Spaceflight Now |access-date=November 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120010459/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1211/17f9customers/#.UKfUruQ0V8E |archive-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=live }} and 60 percent longer fuel tank than the v1.0 version of the Falcon 9, requiring a modified transporter/erector.{{cite news |last=Klotz |first=Irene |title=Musk Says SpaceX Being "Extremely Paranoid" as It Readies for Falcon 9's California Debut |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/37094musk-says-spacex-being-%E2%80%9Cextremely-paranoid%E2%80%9D-as-it-readies-for-falcon-9%E2%80%99s |access-date=September 13, 2013 |newspaper=Space News |date=September 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130913134639/http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/37094musk-says-spacex-being-%E2%80%9Cextremely-paranoid%E2%80%9D-as-it-readies-for-falcon-9%E2%80%99s |archive-date=September 13, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

In September 2016, the pad was damaged when a Falcon 9 rocket exploded during liquid oxygen loading in preparation for a hot-fire test.{{cite news |title=SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, satellite destroyed in explosion |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/spacex/2016/09/01/explosion-reported-spacex-pad/89710076/ |work=Florida Today |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902073133/http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/spacex/2016/09/01/explosion-reported-spacex-pad/89710076/ |archive-date=September 2, 2016 |url-status=live }} The pad was repaired and used for the first time since the explosion in the SpaceX CRS-13 mission in December 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/12/slc-40-comes-back-with-crs-13-static-fire/|title=SLC-40 comes back to life with CRS-13 static fire campaign|last=Gebhardt|first=Chris|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=November 15, 2018|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808130142/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/12/slc-40-comes-back-with-crs-13-static-fire/|archive-date=August 8, 2018|url-status=live}}

File:PAD 39A lease announcement.jpg, director of KSC, announces the signing of the LC-39A lease agreement on April 14, 2014.]]

In December 2013, NASA and SpaceX were in negotiations for SpaceX to lease Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, after SpaceX was selected in a multi-company bid process, following NASA's decision in early 2013 to lease the unused complex as part of a bid to reduce annual operation and maintenance costs of unused government facilities.{{cite news |title=SpaceX to bid for rights to historic NASA launch pad |url=http://phys.org/news/2013-12-spacex-rights-historic-nasa-pad.html |access-date=December 15, 2013 |newspaper=Phys.org |date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215130121/http://phys.org/news/2013-12-spacex-rights-historic-nasa-pad.html |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |url-status=live }} The SpaceX bid was for exclusive use of the launch complex to support their future crewed missions, but SpaceX said in September 2013 that they are also willing to support a multi-user arrangement for LC-39A, and they reiterated that position in December 2013.{{cite news |last=Boyle |first=Alan |title=SpaceX wins NASA's nod to take over historic Launch LC-39A |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/science/spacex-wins-nasas-nod-take-over-historic-launch-pad-39a-2D11741834 |access-date=December 18, 2013 |newspaper=NBC News |date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217172822/http://www.nbcnews.com/science/spacex-wins-nasas-nod-take-over-historic-launch-pad-39a-2D11741834 |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |url-status=live }}

A competing bid for commercial use of the launch complex was submitted by Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, who bid for a shared non-exclusive use of the complex such that the launchpad can interface with multiple vehicles, and costs of pad operational expenses could be shared over the long term. One potential shared user in the Blue Origin notional plan was with United Launch Alliance.{{cite news |last=Matthews |first=Mark K. |title=Musk, Bezos fight to win lease of iconic NASA launchpad |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2013/08/18/musk-bezos-fight-to-win-lease-of-iconic-nasa-launchpad/ |access-date=August 21, 2013 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=August 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827223013/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-08-18/news/os-fight-over-ksc-launchpad-20130818_1_spacex-elon-musk-christina-ra |archive-date=August 27, 2013 |url-status=live }} In September 2013—prior to completion of the bid period, and prior to any public announcement by NASA of the results of the process—Blue Origin filed a protest with the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) over what it said was "a plan by NASA to award an exclusive commercial lease to SpaceX for use of mothballed space shuttle launch LC-39A." NASA planned to complete the bid award and have the pad transferred by October 1, 2013, but the protest delayed a decision until after the GAO resolved the protest.{{cite news |last=Messier |first=Doug |title=Blue Origin Files Protest Over Lease on LC-39A |url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/09/09/49934/ |access-date=September 11, 2013 |newspaper=Parabolic Arc |date=September 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925185437/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/09/09/49934/ |archive-date=September 25, 2013 |url-status=live }} Following the eruption of the controversy, on September 21, SpaceX said that they were willing to support a multi-user arrangement for LC-39A.{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |title=A minor kerfuffle over LC-39A letters |url=http://www.spacepolitics.com/2013/09/20/a-minor-kerfuffle-over-lc-39a-letters/ |access-date=September 25, 2013 |newspaper=Space Politics |date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925134552/http://www.spacepolitics.com/2013/09/20/a-minor-kerfuffle-over-lc-39a-letters/ |archive-date=September 25, 2013 |url-status=live }} In December 2013, the GAO denied the protest and sided with NASA, which argued that the solicitation contains no preference on the use of the facility as multi-use or single-use. "The [solicitation] document merely asks bidders to explain their reasons for selecting one approach instead of the other and how they would manage the facility."{{cite news |last=Messier |first=Doug |title=Blue Origin Loses GAO Appeal Over LC-39A Bid Process |url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/12/12/blue-origin-loses-gao-appeal-pad-39a-bid-process/ |access-date=December 13, 2013 |newspaper=Parabolic Arc |date=December 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216130603/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/12/12/blue-origin-loses-gao-appeal-pad-39a-bid-process/ |archive-date=December 16, 2013 |url-status=live }}

SpaceX began architectural and engineering design work on the pad modifications in 2013, and signed the contractual documents to lease the pad for 20 years{{cite news |last=Dean |first=James |title=With nod to history, SpaceX gets launch LC-39A OK |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2014/04/15/nod-history-spacex-gets-ok/7721971/ |access-date=April 15, 2014 |newspaper=Florida Today |date=April 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730193947/http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2014/04/15/nod-history-spacex-gets-ok/7721971/ |archive-date=July 30, 2014 |url-status=live }} from NASA in April 2014.{{cite news |title=NASA signs over historic Launch Pad 39A to SpaceX |url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-041414a-launch-pad-39a-spacex.html |access-date=November 19, 2014 |newspaper=collectSpace |date=April 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824060434/http://collectspace.com/news/news-041414a-launch-pad-39a-spacex.html |archive-date=August 24, 2014 |url-status=live }} SpaceX is building a large Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) just outside the perimeter of the existing launch pad in order to "house the Falcon [rockets] and associated hardware and payloads during processing."{{cite news |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |title=Pad 39A – SpaceX laying the groundwork for Falcon Heavy debut |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/11/pad-39a-spacex-groundwork-falcon-heavy-debut/ |access-date=November 17, 2014 |work=NASA Spaceflight |date=November 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119183345/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/11/pad-39a-spacex-groundwork-falcon-heavy-debut/ |archive-date=November 19, 2014 |url-status=live }} This is a marked difference from the vertical integration facility used by previous US government rockets that used the launch pad (Apollo Program and the Space Shuttle)—plus the installation of all new instrumentation and control systems, with substantial new plumbing for a variety of rocket liquids and gasses.

The Falcon rockets will be transported from the HIF to the launch pad aboard a Transporter Erector (TE) which will ride on rails up the former crawlerway path. In February 2016, it was reported that the pad was completed and activated indicating it is ready for launches of Falcon 9 Full Thrust.{{cite web |author=Foust |first=Jeff |date=February 4, 2016 |title=SpaceX seeks to accelerate Falcon 9 production and launch rates this year |url=http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/ |access-date=June 15, 2017 |publisher=Space News}} The first SpaceX launch from LC-39A occurred in February 2017, followed by a successful first-stage landing at Landing Zone 1. Further work was needed to support Falcon Heavy and crewed launches took over 60 days and occurred after Cape Canaveral LC-40 reopened. Demo-2, SpaceX's first crewed space mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) LC-39A launch pad in May 2020.

In April 2018, SpaceX completed a draft environmental assessment for a new facility "that would include a booster processing hangar and launch control center on {{convert|67|acre}} of KSC property" to support a faster flight rate of "Falcon rockets, including processing of landed booster stages and recovered payload fairings for reuse."[http://spacenews.com/spacex-proposing-expansion-of-florida-launch-processing-facilities/ SpaceX proposing expansion of Florida launch processing facilities], June 11, 2018, accessed June 12, 2018.

In 2024, a proposal for SpaceX to add 100 acres to their existing footprint at KSC was approved pending the signing of a lease.{{Cite web |title=FAA, NASA seek public input on SpaceX Starship launches at the Kennedy Space Center – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/06/12/faa-nasa-seek-public-input-on-spacex-starship-launches-at-the-kennedy-space-center/ |access-date=June 23, 2024 |language=en-US}}

The SpaceX Starship was initially deemed too large to launch from any existing SpaceX facility. In 2014, SpaceX indicated that the historic Florida launchpad LC-39A would not be large enough, and they planned to build a new site to accommodate the {{convert|9|m|ft|sp=us|adj=mid|-diameter|abbr=}} rocket.{{cite AV media |people=Gwynne Shotwell |date=March 21, 2014 |title=Broadcast 2212: Special Edition, interview with Gwynne Shotwell |medium=audio file |url=http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3 |access-date=March 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322013556/http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3 |archive-date=March 22, 2014 |format=mp3 |time=20:00–21:10 and 22:15–22:35 |publisher=The Space Show |id=2212 |url-status=dead }} The Starship is projected to be powered by 33 Raptor liquid oxygen/liquid methane engines producing approximately {{Cvt|72|MN}} of thrust at liftoff.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdUX3ypDVwI |people=Elon Musk |title=Becoming a Multiplanet Species |date=September 29, 2017 |medium=video |location=Sixty-eighth annual meeting of the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, Australia |publisher=SpaceX |via=YouTube |access-date=December 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309212706/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdUX3ypDVwI |archive-date=March 9, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Belluscio |first=Alejandro G. |title=SpaceX advances drive for Mars rocket via Raptor power |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/03/spacex-advances-drive-mars-rocket-raptor-power/ |access-date=March 7, 2014 |newspaper=NASAspaceflight.com |date=March 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911235533/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/03/spacex-advances-drive-mars-rocket-raptor-power/ |archive-date=September 11, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=SpaceX propulsion chief elevates crowd in Santa Barbara |url=http://www.pacbiztimes.com/2014/02/19/spacexs-propulsion-chief-elevates-crowd-in-santa-barbara/ |date=February 19, 2014 |publisher=Pacific Business Times |access-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220090749/http://www.pacbiztimes.com/2014/02/19/spacexs-propulsion-chief-elevates-crowd-in-santa-barbara/ |archive-date=February 20, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.spacex.com/starship|title=Starship|last=spacexcmsadmin|date=September 27, 2019|website=SpaceX|language=en|access-date=November 10, 2019|archive-date=September 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930163150/https://www.spacex.com/starship|url-status=dead}} In his September 2016 presentation, Elon Musk stated that the large launch vehicle would indeed be launched from LC-39A.{{cite news |last=Bergin |first=Chris |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/09/spacex-reveals-mars-game-changer-colonization-plan/ |title=SpaceX reveals ITS Mars game changer via colonization plan |work=NASASpaceFlight.com |date=September 27, 2016 |access-date=September 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928154300/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/09/spacex-reveals-mars-game-changer-colonization-plan/ |archive-date=September 28, 2016 |url-status=live }} However, in 2018 SpaceX instead opted to build their South Texas Launch Site for exclusive use by Starship.{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2018 |title=Block 5 - Phone Press Conference |url=https://gist.github.com/theinternetftw/5ba82bd5f4099934fa0556b9d09c123e |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=Gist |language=en }}

File:Launch of Falcon 9 carrying CASSIOPE (130929-F-ET475-012).jpg launch facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base, during the launch of CASSIOPE, September 2013]]

SpaceX currently operates a West Coast launch site located at Vandenberg Space Force Base Space Launch Complex 4 in order to deliver satellites to polar or Sun-synchronous orbits with Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches.

SpaceX broke ground at Vandenberg in July 2011.{{Cite news |first=Rebecca |last=Robbins |title=Men to Mars from Vandenberg? |url=http://independent.com/news/2011/jul/15/men-mars-vandenberg/ |date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=July 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718091901/http://independent.com/news/2011/jul/15/men-mars-vandenberg/ |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |first=Don |last=Reisinger |title=SpaceX breaks ground on Falcon Heavy launch site |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20079790-17/spacex-breaks-ground-on-falcon-heavy-launch-site/ |newspaper=CNET |date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=July 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810054905/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20079790-17/spacex-breaks-ground-on-falcon-heavy-launch-site/ |archive-date=August 10, 2011 |url-status=live }} A 2011 estimate showed that the project was expected to cost between $20 and $30 million for the first 24 months of construction and operation; thereafter, operational costs were expected to be $5–10 million per year. The sixth flight of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle launched in September 2013, which was the maiden flight of Falcon 9 v1.1.{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |title=SpaceX says robust market can support four launch pads |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1310/18spacex |access-date=October 27, 2013 |newspaper=Spaceflight Now |date=October 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030030412/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1310/18spacex/ |archive-date=October 30, 2013 |url-status=live }} The site was used for a second time in January 2016 for the Jason-3 launch (which was the last flight of Falcon 9 v1.1) and for a third time in January 2017 for the first of the Iridium Next launches.

On April 24, 2023, the United States Space Force announced that it was leasing Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) to SpaceX for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches. SpaceX expects to begin Falcon 9 launches from SLC-6 in 2025 and Falcon Heavy launches in 2026.{{cite news |last=Roulette |first=Joey |date=April 24, 2023 |title=SpaceX wins approval to add fifth U.S. rocket launch site |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/spacex-wins-approval-add-fifth-us-rocket-launch-site-2023-04-25/ |publisher=Reuters}} Since then, SpaceX has started reconfiguring the launch pad.{{Cite web |title=Reconfiguring SLC 6 |url=https://twitter.com/OliverNerd7/status/1754647149466337331 |website=X (Formerly Twitter)}}

{{main|SpaceX Starbase}}

File:Starbase.jpg

Starbase serves as the main testing and production location for Starship launch vehicles, as well as the headquarters of SpaceX.{{Cite web |last=Cosgrove |first=Anne |date=July 18, 2024 |title=SpaceX And X Moving Headquarters To Texas |url=https://businessfacilities.com/spacex-and-x-moving-headquarters-to-texas/ |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=Business Facilities |language=en-US}}Located at Boca Chica, near Brownsville, Texas, United States, and adjacent to South Padre Island, Texas, Starbase has been under near-continuous development since the late 2010s, and comprises a spaceport near the Gulf of Mexico, a production facility at Starbase, and a test site along Texas State Highway 4.

During 2011–2014, SpaceX considered as many as seven potential locations around the country for a new private launch facility for orbital flights, including Alaska, California, Florida,{{cite news |last=Dean |first=James |date=April 3, 2013 |title=Proposed Shiloh launch complex at KSC debated in Volusia |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130404/SPACE/130404009/Proposed-Shiloh-launch-complex-KSC-debated-Volusia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413145534/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130404/SPACE/130404009/Proposed-Shiloh-launch-complex-KSC-debated-Volusia |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |access-date=April 6, 2013 |newspaper=Florida Today}} Texas, Virginia,{{cite news |date=April 16, 2012 |title=Details Emerge on SpaceX's Proposed Texas Launch Site |newspaper=Space News |page=24 |quote=SpaceX is considering multiple potential locations around the country for a new commercial launch pad. ... The Brownsville area is one of the possibilities.}} Georgia,{{cite news |last=Rush |first=Johna Strickland |date=November 15, 2012 |title=Spaceport could land in Camden |url=http://www.tribune-georgian.com/articles/2012/11/16/news/top_stories/1topstory11.16.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204234425/http://www.tribune-georgian.com/articles/2012/11/16/news/top_stories/1topstory11.16.txt |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2012 |newspaper=Tribune & Georgian}} and Puerto Rico.{{cite news |last=Perez-Trevino |first=Emma |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Sanchez: Texas offering $6M, Florida giving $10M |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/involved-144875-thursday-offering.html |access-date=September 16, 2012 |newspaper=Brownsville Herald}}{{dead link|date=November 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} One of the proposed locations for the new commercial-mission-only spaceport was south Texas, which was revealed in April 2012, via preliminary regulatory documentation. The FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation began a multi-year process to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement{{cite web |date=April 3, 2012 |title=FAA Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2012-08556.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729094611/https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2012-08556.pdf |archive-date=July 29, 2014 |access-date=June 15, 2017 |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration}} and public hearings on the new launch site, which would be located in Cameron County, Texas. .{{cite web |date=2012 |title=SpaceX Proposes New Texas Launch Site |url=http://www.citizensinspace.org/2012/04/spacex-proposes-new-texas-launch-site/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509135731/http://www.citizensinspace.org/2012/04/spacex-proposes-new-texas-launch-site/ |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2017}}{{cite news |last=Martinez |first=Laura |date=April 10, 2012 |title=Brownsville area candidate for spaceport |url=http://www.themonitor.com/articles/space-60007-brownsville-south.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414180555/http://www.themonitor.com/articles/space-60007-brownsville-south.html |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2012 |newspaper=The Monitor}}{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=May 25, 2012 |title=Texas reaches out to land spaceport deal with SpaceX |url=http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Texas-reaches-out-to-land-spaceport-deal-with-3586606.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528174011/http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Texas-reaches-out-to-land-spaceport-deal-with-3586606.php |archive-date=May 28, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle}}The FAA released the draft Environmental Impact Statement in April 2013, and "found that 'no impacts would occur' that would force the Federal Aviation Administration to deny SpaceX a permit for rocket operations near Brownsville."{{cite news |last=Martinez |first=Laura B. |date=April 15, 2013 |title=FAA shares SpaceX EIS report |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_b616b0e8-a646-11e2-8434-001a4bcf6878.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426122115/https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_b616b0e8-a646-11e2-8434-001a4bcf6878.html |archive-date=April 26, 2020 |access-date=April 17, 2013 |newspaper=The Brownsville Herald |quote='no impacts would occur' that would force the Federal Aviation Administration to deny SpaceX a permit for rocket operations near Brownsville.}}

As early as March 2013, Texas became the leading candidate for the location of the new SpaceX commercial launch facility, although Florida, Georgia and other locations remained in the running. Legislation was introduced in the Texas Legislature in early 2013 that would enable temporary closings of State beaches during launches, limit liability for noise and some other specific commercial spaceflight risks, while the legislature also considered a package of incentives to encourage SpaceX to locate at the Brownsville, Texas location.{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=April 1, 2013 |title=The great state space race |url=http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2271/1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205035113/http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2271/1 |archive-date=February 5, 2017 |access-date=April 3, 2013 |newspaper=The Space Review}} In October 2013, CEO Musk said that "Texas is looking increasingly likely,"

SpaceX began acquiring land in the area, purchasing approximately 41 acres (170,000 m²) and leasing 57 acres (230,000 m²) by July 2014. SpaceX announced in August 2014 that they had selected the location near Brownsville as the location for the new private launch site,{{Cite web |last1=August 4 |first1=Eric Berger on |last2=PM |first2=2014 at 1:47 |date=August 4, 2014 |title=Texas, SpaceX announce spaceport deal near Brownsville |url=https://blog.chron.com/sciguy/2014/08/texas-spacex-announce-spaceport-deal-near-brownsville/ |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=SciGuy |language=en-US}} after the final environmental assessment was completed and environmental agreements were in place by July 2014.{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2014 |title=Elon Musk's Futuristic Spaceport Is Coming to Texas - Businessweek |url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-07-11/elon-musks-futuristic-spaceport-is-coming-to-texas |access-date=January 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712004053/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-07-11/elon-musks-futuristic-spaceport-is-coming-to-texas |archive-date=July 12, 2014 }}{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2023 |title=Home |url=https://myrgv.com |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=MyRGV.com |language=en-US}} SpaceX conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new launch facility in September 2014,{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2014 |title=SpaceX Breaks Ground on Texas Spaceport {{!}} SpaceNews.com |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41957spacex-breaks-ground-on-texas-spaceport |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140922222618/http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41957spacex-breaks-ground-on-texas-spaceport |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 22, 2014 |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=archive.ph}} and soil preparation began in October 2015.{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2016 |title=Foundation Problems Delay SpaceX Launch |url=http://www.krgv.com/story/30994915/foundation-problems-delay-spacex-launch |access-date=January 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318130257/http://www.krgv.com/story/30994915/foundation-problems-delay-spacex-launch |archive-date=March 18, 2016 }}

The first tracking antenna was installed in August 2016, and the first propellant tank arrived in July 2018. In late 2018, construction ramped up considerably, and the site saw the fabrication of the first 9 m-diameter (30 ft) prototype test vehicle, Starhopper, which was tested and flown March–August 2019. Through 2021, additional prototype flight vehicles were being built at the facility for higher-altitude tests. By late 2023, over 2,100 full-time employees were working at the site.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Steve |date=December 13, 2023 |title=Starbase general manager discusses future plans at invite-only Brownsville event |url=https://myrgv.com/local-news/2023/12/12/starbase-general-manager-discusses-future-plans-at-invite-only-brownsville-event/ |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=MyRGV.com |language=en-US}}

On December 12, 2024, SpaceX filed an official request to Cameron County authorities to have the site incorporated as a new city, named Starbase.{{Cite web |author1=Samantha Mathewson |date=December 17, 2024 |title=SpaceX wants Starbase to become an official city in Texas |url=https://www.space.com/space-exploration/private-spaceflight/spacex-wants-starbase-to-become-an-official-city-in-texas?utm_term=AAB2FB42-ABBE-44AD-AA71-5AE0734F95BF&lrh=8d8e5549f0d6571e9a1a04a115e18e489cc249b218410878c1be89b73db1f212&utm_campaign=58E4DE65-C57F-4CD3-9A5A-609994E2C5A9&utm_medium=email&utm_content=DE1F5778-9C73-41F3-9864-45005E7254C0&utm_source=SmartBrief |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=Space.com |language=en}}

File:SpaceX Falcon vertical on the launch pad.jpg at SpaceX's leased launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. This vehicle was removed from VAFB due to delays and eventually launched from Omelek Island.]]

SpaceX originally intended to launch their first launch vehicle, the Falcon 1, from Space Launch Complex 3 West (SLC-3W) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. SLC-3W was modified by SpaceX to support the Falcon 1, and the Falcon 1 was erected on the pad in 2005. Problems arose when SpaceX was unable to obtain sufficient launch window availability because the pad would overfly other Air Force pads that were frequently left occupied for weeks or months at a time, thus severely restricting SpaceX launches. Ultimately, this launch pad was never used for orbital launch, although it was used for a number of ground tests.

SpaceX proceeded to then{{when|date=June 2017}} build a launch facility in the northern Pacific Ocean at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, on Omelek Island, a part of the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. SpaceX began launching Falcon 1 rockets from Omelek in 2006. Falcon 1 Flight 4 was the first successful privately funded, liquid-propelled launch vehicle to achieve orbit, and was launched from Omelek Island on September 28, 2008, followed by another Falcon 1 launch on July 13, 2009, placing RazakSAT into orbit.{{cite web |title=Falcon Launch Report – Mission Status Center |url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon/005/status.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802174132/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon/005/status.html |archive-date=August 2, 2009 |access-date=August 21, 2013 |website=www.spaceflightnow.com}}

SpaceX originally planned to upgrade the Omelek launch site for use by the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, but later cancelled their plans to do so, and have since disassembled the entire installation. In December 2010, the SpaceX launch manifest listed Omelek (Kwajalein) as a potential site for several Falcon 9 launches, the first planned for as early as 2012.{{cite web |title=Launch Manifest |url=http://www.spacex.com/launch_manifest.php |publisher=SpaceX |access-date=December 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609230747/https://spacex.com/launch_manifest.php |archive-date=June 9, 2012 |url-status=dead }} The "Falcon 9 Overview" document also offered Kwajalein as a launch option in 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php#pricing_and_performance |title=Falcon 9 Overview, Performance |publisher=SpaceX |year=2010 |access-date=December 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501002858/http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php#pricing_and_performance |archive-date=May 1, 2013 |url-status=live }} Since then, the FAA Environmental Impact Report of May 2014 lists this site as non-operational and returned to its original state, to no longer be used, "Five Falcon 1 launches occurred at Omelek Island, Kwajalein Atoll. After these launches of the Falcon 1, the site was no longer needed and SpaceX closed the site and returned the property to pre-launch conditions".{{cite web |url=http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/nepa_docs/review/documents_progress/spacex_texas_launch_site_environmental_impact_statement/media/FEIS_SpaceX_Texas_Launch_Site_Vol_I.pdf |title=FEIS SpaceX Texas Launch Site Vol I |publisher=FAA |year=2014 |access-date=May 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601014137/http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/nepa_docs/review/documents_progress/spacex_texas_launch_site_environmental_impact_statement/media/FEIS_SpaceX_Texas_Launch_Site_Vol_I.pdf |archive-date=June 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }} All Falcon 1 launches took place at this location, five launches from 2006 to 2009. SpaceX abandoned Omelek when Falcon 1 was retired, due to the expense of logistics.

SpaceX has two rocket test facilities for vertical takeoff, vertical landing rockets: the SpaceX Rocket Development and Test Facility in McGregor, Texas and a leased test facility at Spaceport America in southern New Mexico. All SpaceX rocket engines are tested on rocket test stands, and low-altitude VTVL flight testing of the Falcon 9 Grasshopper v1.0 test vehicle are done at McGregor. High-altitude, high-velocity flight testing of Grasshopper v1.1 were planned to be done at Spaceport America. In addition to atmospheric flight testing, and rocket engine testing, the McGregor facility is also used for post-flight disassembly and defueling of the SpaceX Dragon following orbital missions.

Both flight test facilities are principally involved in developing and testing various elements of the SpaceX reusable launch system development program, with a goal to making future SpaceX launch systems fully and rapidly reusable.{{cite AV media |last=Gannes |first=Liz |title=Tesla CEO and SpaceX Founder Elon Musk: The Full D11 Interview (Video) |medium=Video interview |section=36:03 |url=http://allthingsd.com/20130530/tesla-ceo-and-spacex-founder-elon-musk-the-full-d11-interview-video/ |access-date=May 31, 2013 |newspaper=All Things D |date=May 30, 2013 |quote=hopeful that sometime in the next couple of years we'll be able to achieve full and rapid reusability of the first stage—which is about three-quarters of the cost of the rocket—and then with a future design architecture, achieve full reusability. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531101708/http://allthingsd.com/20130530/tesla-ceo-and-spacex-founder-elon-musk-the-full-d11-interview-video/ |archive-date=May 31, 2013 |url-status=live }}

File:SpaceX Engine Test Bunker.jpg

SpaceX's Rocket Development and Test Facility in McGregor, Texas is a rocket engine test facility. Every rocket engine and thruster manufactured by SpaceX must pass through McGregor for rigorous final testing, ensuring their reliability and performance before being used on flight missions.{{cite news |last=Paur |first=Jason |date=October 10, 2012 |title=Inside SpaceX's Texas Rocket-Testing Facility |url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/10/spacex-texas-rocket-test/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109012656/http://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/10/spacex-texas-rocket-test/ |archive-date=January 9, 2013 |access-date=December 31, 2012 |newspaper=Wired}}{{cite news |last=Bergin |first=Chris |date=June 20, 2013 |title=Reducing risk via ground testing is a recipe for SpaceX success |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/reducing-risk-ground-testing-recipe-spacex-success/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118211052/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/reducing-risk-ground-testing-recipe-spacex-success/ |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |access-date=August 21, 2013 |newspaper=NASAspaceflight.com}} The facility also tests various components and engines during the research and development process.{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Sandra |date=December 22, 2011 |title=SpaceX: Blasting into the future — A Waco Today interview with Elon Musk |url=http://www.wacotrib.com/waco_today_magazine/spacex-blasting-into-the-future-a-waco-today-interview-with/article_6710295c-9151-59ba-b091-99aeade5beff.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730020838/https://www.wacotrib.com/waco_today_magazine/spacex-blasting-into-the-future-a-waco-today-interview-with/article_6710295c-9151-59ba-b091-99aeade5beff.html |archive-date=July 30, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |work=Waco Tribune}} In addition to engine testing, after splashdown and recovery, Dragon spacecraft make a stop at McGregor to have their dangerous hypergolic propellant fuels removed, before the capsules continue on to Hawthorne for refurbishment.

SpaceX calls the facility the most advanced and active rocket engine test facility in the world, and said that {{As of|2024|lc=y}}, over 7,000 tests had been conducted at the facility since it opened, with seven engine test fires on a typical day. Despite its low-profile compared to the company's other facilities, is a critical part of SpaceX's operations, and company president and COO Gwynne Shotwell maintains her primary office in McGregor.{{Cite AV media |url=https://house.texas.gov/videos/20813 |title=Testimony to the Texas House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations |date=September 24, 2024 |last=Shotwell |first=Gwynne |type=video |language=en-US |time=28:23}}

Leased by SpaceX in 2003,U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (November 2011) [https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/20111110%20SpaceX%20Grasshopper%20Final%20EA.pdf "Final Environmental Assessment for Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the Grasshopper Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513140146/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/20111110%20SpaceX%20Grasshopper%20Final%20EA.pdf|date=May 13, 2017}}, p. 1. the McGregor facility was originally the site of the Bluebonnet Ordnance Plant during World War II, then was used as a testing facilities for Beal Aerospace. In its early days, SpaceX reused many of the leftover facilities from the previous occupants of the site to test its first Merlin engines, but over time it has undergone significant expansion and improvements. SpaceX has purchased adjacent farmland, increasing the facility's size from {{convert|256|acre}}, to over {{convert|600|acre}} by April 2011,{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWjPLY3uLtk |title=Falcon Heavy Press Conference |date=April 5, 2011 |medium=video |publisher=SpaceX |quote=(@27:20:We actually have been steadily acquiring the buildings around us in California. So we're sort of growing like the Borg. Actually, almost all the buildings around us have been acquired and that's increased our capacity in California by about 50% in terms of real estate, but I think we can actually do a lot more with the existing physical locations we have. Actually, I really like density. I like a beehive of activity and people fairly close together. I think it creates a much better esprit de corps. You may have seen the announcement that in Texas we have more than doubled the size of our rocket development facility in Texas which is where we do development and acceptance testing of the rocket engines and stages and that's in anticipation of a lot more growth. So we're now at over 600 acres in Texas.) |people=Elon Musk}} and to {{convert|4000|acre}} by March 2015.{{cite web |author=Gwynne Shotwell |date=March 17, 2015 |title=Statement Of Gwynne Shotwell, President & Chief Operating Officer, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) |url=http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS29/20150317/103135/HHRG-114-AS29-Wstate-ShotwellG-20150317.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128041905/http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS29/20150317/103135/HHRG-114-AS29-Wstate-ShotwellG-20150317.pdf |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |access-date=January 11, 2016 |work=Congressional testimony |publisher=US House of Representatives, Committee On Armed Services Subcommittee On Strategic Forces |quote=SpaceX’s 4,000 acre Rocket Development Facility in Central Texas includes 12 test stands that support engine component testing; design, qualification and acceptance testing of Merlin engines; structural testing of the first and second stages; and fully integrated stage testing for full mission durations. The state-of-the-art facility has remote and/or automatic controls and high-speed data acquisition systems, and post test data are available for analysis upon test completion.}}

In 2011, SpaceX announced plans to upgrade the facility for launch testing of a VTVL test rocket, known as Grasshopper.{{cite news |last=Mohney |first=Doug |title=SpaceX Plans to Test Reusable Suborbital VTVL Rocket in Texas |url=http://satellite.tmcnet.com/topics/satellite/articles/222324-spacex-plans-test-reusable-suborbital-vtvl-rocket-texas.htm |access-date=November 23, 2011 |newspaper=Satellite Spotlight |date=September 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804024136/http://satellite.tmcnet.com/topics/satellite/articles/222324-spacex-plans-test-reusable-suborbital-vtvl-rocket-texas.htm |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |url-status=live }} A half-acre concrete launch facility was constructed to support the test flight program,{{cite news |title=Reusable rocket prototype almost ready for first liftoff |url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1207/10grasshopper/ |access-date=July 13, 2012 |newspaper=Spaceflight Now |date=July 9, 2012 |quote=SpaceX has constructed a half-acre concrete launch facility in McGregor, and the Grasshopper rocket is already standing on the pad, outfitted with four insect-like silver landing legs. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521132738/http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1207/10grasshopper/ |archive-date=May 21, 2013 |url-status=live }} which included eight flights of Grasshopper and five flights of its successor, "F9R Dev1." The flight test campaign ended in 2014.{{cite web |title=Commercial Space Data / Active Permits |url=http://www.faa.gov/data_research/commercial_space_data/permits/ |work=FAA Data & Research |publisher=U.S. Federal Aviation Administration |access-date=November 19, 2013 |quote=Permit no. EP 12-008, Company: Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Vehicle: Grasshopper, Location: Texas, Expiration: Oct 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502060659/http://www.faa.gov/data_research/commercial_space_data/permits/ |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}

By October 2012, the McGregor facility operated seven test stands, running 18 hours a day, six days a week. Since then, the number of test stands has increased to meet the growing demands of SpaceX's production. By March 2015, the facility operated 12 test stands and had run over 4,000 Merlin engine tests, including some 50 firings of the integrated nine-engine first stage. In August 2016, testing began on the new methane-fueled Raptor rocket engine.{{cite web |last1=Berger |first1=Eric |date=August 10, 2016 |title=SpaceX has shipped its Mars engine to Texas for tests |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/08/spacex-has-shipped-its-mars-engine-to-texas-for-tests/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818221504/http://arstechnica.com/science/2016/08/spacex-has-shipped-its-mars-engine-to-texas-for-tests/ |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=August 18, 2016 |website=Ars Technica}} As of 2024, the facility sees seven engine test fires on a typical day.

In July 2021, SpaceX announced plans to build a second production facility for Raptor engines at the McGregor facility. The new facility is expected to produce 800 to 1,000 rocket engines per year, approximately 2 to 4 each day, significantly expanding SpaceX's production capacity.{{cite news |title=Elon Musk says SpaceX's next Texas venture will be a rocket engine factory near Waco |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/technology/2021/07/10/elon-musk-says-spacexs-next-texas-venture-will-be-a-rocket-engine-factory-near-waco/ |newspaper=Dallas Morning News |date=July 10, 2021 |access-date=July 11, 2021 }}{{cite tweet |number=1413909599711907845 |user=elonmusk |title=We are breaking ground soon on a second Raptor factory at SpaceX Texas test site. This will focus on volume production of Raptor 2, while California factory will make Raptor Vacuum & new, experimental designs. |date=July 10, 2021}}

As part of the SpaceX reusable launch system development program, SpaceX announced in May 2013 that the follow-up to Grasshopper, a high-altitude, vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) suborbital technology demonstrator would be tested at Spaceport America near Las Cruces, New Mexico. SpaceX signed a three-year lease for land and facilities at the recently operational spaceport.{{cite news |last=Lindsey |first=Clark |title=SpaceX to test Grasshopper reusable booster at Spaceport America in NM |url=http://www.newspacewatch.com/articles/spacex-to-test-grasshopper-reusable-booster-at-spaceport-america-in-nm.html |access-date=May 7, 2013 |newspaper=NewSpace Watch |date=May 7, 2013 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118124357/http://www.newspacewatch.com/articles/spacex-to-test-grasshopper-reusable-booster-at-spaceport-america-in-nm.html |archive-date=January 18, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=SpaceX Joining Virgin Galactic at Spaceport America |url=http://www.sci-tech-today.com/news/SpaceX-Touches-Down-at-Spaceport/story.xhtml?story_id=020000FWLTI0 |access-date=May 9, 2013 |newspaper=Sci-Tech Today |date=May 8, 2013 |quote=SpaceX will be paying $6,600 a month to lease a mobile mission control facility and will pay the state $25,000 per launch.}} {{as of|2013|05}}, SpaceX indicated that they did not yet know how many jobs would move from McGregor, Texas to New Mexico to support the second phase of VTVL Grasshopper testing.{{cite news |last=Abbot |first=Joseph |title=SpaceX moving Grasshopper testing to New Mexico |url=http://www.wacotrib.com/blogs/joe_science/spacex-moving-grasshopper-testing-to-new-mexico/article_34e2f2f6-b754-11e2-aa32-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=May 8, 2013 |newspaper=Waco Tribune |date=May 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212056/http://www.wacotrib.com/blogs/joe_science/spacex-moving-grasshopper-testing-to-new-mexico/article_34e2f2f6-b754-11e2-aa32-001a4bcf887a.html |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |url-status=live }}

In 2013, SpaceX constructed a {{convert|30|x|30|m|sp=us|adj=on}} pad at Spaceport America, {{convert|7|km|sp=us}} southwest of the spaceport's main campus, and will lease the pad for {{US$|6600}} per month plus {{US$|25000}} per Grasshopper flight. The spaceport administrator expected SpaceX to be operational at the Spaceport between October 2013 and February 2014, and anticipated that the lease payments would begin at that time.{{cite news |last=Leone|first=Dan |title=SpaceX Leases Pad in New Mexico for Next Grasshopper Tests |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35306spacex-leases-pad-in-new-mexico-for-next-grasshopper-tests#.Uf0JMtLOvgQ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130903081450/http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/35306spacex-leases-pad-in-new-mexico-for-next-grasshopper-tests#.Uf0JMtLOvgQ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 3, 2013 |access-date=August 3, 2013 |newspaper=SpaceNews |date=May 13, 2013 }}{{cite news |last=Robinson-Avila |first=Kevin |title=Countdown to launch |url=http://www.abqjournal.com/221258/news/countdown-to.html |access-date=April 3, 2014 |newspaper=Albuquerque Journal |date=October 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407070530/http://www.abqjournal.com/221258/news/countdown-to.html |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |url-status=live }} By May 2014, SpaceX expended more than {{US$|2 million}} on construction of the New Mexico facility, and is using more than 20 local firms to work on the project. Work items have included modifying the Range Operations Plan as well as a variety of fire-prevention measures.{{cite news |last1=David |first1=Leonard |title=New Mexico's Spaceport America Eyes SpaceX, Virgin Galactic Flights |url=http://www.leonarddavid.com/new-mexicos-spaceport-america-eyes-spacex-virgin-galactic-flights/ |access-date=July 30, 2014 |publisher=Inside Outer Space |date=May 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808044927/http://www.leonarddavid.com/new-mexicos-spaceport-america-eyes-spacex-virgin-galactic-flights/ |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}

While in July 2014 the first test flight was still expected to occur sometime in 2014,[http://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/index.php?pSetup=lascrucesbulletin&curDate=20140711&pageToLoad=showFreeArticle.php&type=art&index=04&title=Businesses+prepare+for+first+flight Businesses prepare for first flight] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808033119/http://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/index.php?pSetup=lascrucesbulletin&curDate=20140711&pageToLoad=showFreeArticle.php&type=art&index=04&title=Businesses+prepare+for+first+flight |date=August 8, 2014 }}, Las Cruces Bulletin, Alta LeCompte, July 11, 2014, accessed July 30, 2014. reports in October 2014 indicated that the first flight of F9R Dev2 at Spaceport America would not occur until the first half of 2015.{{cite news |last1=Messier |first1=Doug |title=New Mexico Legislators Look into Spaceport America Finances |url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/10/21/mexico-legislators-spaceport-america-finances/ |access-date=October 23, 2014 |work=Parabolic Arc |date=October 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023050333/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/10/21/mexico-legislators-spaceport-america-finances/ |archive-date=October 23, 2014 |url-status=live }} On February 19, 2015, SpaceX announced that the F9R Dev2 would be discontinued indicating that ocean tests using operational Falcon 9 rockets were sufficiently successful that it was no longer necessary.{{cite web |url = http://www.portaltotheuniverse.org/blogs/posts/view/368993/ |title = SpaceX bypassing replacement for lost Falcon 9R landing test vehicle |last1 = Klotz |first1 = Irene |publisher = Portal To The Universe |date = February 19, 2015 |access-date = December 24, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151225035811/http://www.portaltotheuniverse.org/blogs/posts/view/368993/ |archive-date = December 25, 2015 |url-status = live }} Instead the New Mexico site will be used for testing the returned first stages.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}

During April 2015, SpaceX performed tanking tests on the In-Flight Abort rocket on the Vandenberg Space Force Base SLC-4E. Since this rocket only possessed three Merlin 1D engines, it was speculated that the discontinued F9R Dev2 was re-purposed as the launch vehicle in the In-Flight Abort Test.{{cite web |url = http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/04/spacex-tanking-tests-in-flight-abort-falcon-9/ |title = SpaceX conducts tanking test on In-Flight Abort Falcon 9 |last1 = Bergin |first1 = Chris |publisher = nasaspaceflight.com |date = April 10, 2015 |access-date = May 10, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150504121946/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/04/spacex-tanking-tests-in-flight-abort-falcon-9/ |archive-date = May 4, 2015 |url-status = live }}

• SpaceX reusable launch system development program
• SpaceX Landing Zone

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{{SpaceX}}

Category:SpaceX

Category:Kennedy Space Center