End of ULA! SpaceX Demolished ULA Launch Pad for Massive Starship Launch

A major leap just happened in the space industry — United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) launch site at Complex 37 has been demolished to make room for SpaceX’s Starship systems. But is this demolition just a routine upgrade, or does it signal the start of something much bigger?

Meanwhile, SpaceX has received the green light from the FAA for Starship’s next flight, bringing it closer to launch readiness. In contrast, the Axiom 4 mission has been delayed indefinitely for an unexpected reason. Let’s break it all down.

The End of ULA’s Era at SLC-37

SpaceX is clearly doubling down on Florida, which is widely regarded as the heart of American aerospace. Last year, the company surprised many with a proposal to conduct 44 Starship launches per year from Launch Complex 39A (LC39A). It seemed like their final move in Florida — until now.

Recently, the U.S. Air Force released a draft environmental impact statement confirming that Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37), previously run by ULA, will be converted into a new Starship launch site. This means Florida will have three active Starship launch complexes: Starbase in Texas, LC39A, and now SLC-37.

The demolition of SLC-37 happened quickly on June 12, 2025, with explosives bringing down the old launch pad in a dramatic collapse. Elon Musk called this moment “A new chapter named Starship,” signaling not just a physical change, but a symbolic shift in American spaceflight.

From ULA to SpaceX: A Changing Landscape

ULA, a partnership between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, once dominated the U.S. space launch market, with rocket families like Atlas and Delta. For years, they were the primary launch provider for military, government, and scientific missions.

However, SpaceX disrupted this industry by introducing reusable, low-cost rockets and focusing on rapid launch cadence. This approach quickly earned them a commanding share of commercial and government launches.

Over time, ULA’s market share in national security missions has shrunk. Initially holding a 60/40 advantage, the split narrowed to nearly equal, and now SpaceX leads with over 50% of recent mission awards. The handover of SLC-37 from ULA to SpaceX represents this broader shift towards a new era emphasizing speed, cost efficiency, and reusability.

What’s Next for SLC-37?

With the old structures gone, SpaceX will begin preparing the site for Starship. This includes clearing the area, laying foundations, pouring concrete for launch tower bases, constructing flame trenches, and building office and support facilities. Major Starship components will then be assembled on site.

Based on how quickly SpaceX built their Starbase facility in Texas, experts expect SLC-37’s new Starship systems to be ready within about 18 months. This means Starship launches could begin as early as mid to late 2026.

SLC-37: The Future Hub for Starship Launches

Elon Musk and the Air Force’s draft environmental impact statement suggest SLC-37 will be a critical Starship launch site — possibly even more important than others. The plan calls for 76 Starship launches per year, each paired with two landings (one booster and one ship), totaling 152 landings annually.

This launch cadence is much higher than the 44 planned at LC39A and the 25 expected at Starbase. Clearly, SLC-37 will be a cornerstone of SpaceX’s plan for rapid, high-frequency space travel.

These ambitious plans include:

Launching 400 missions over the next four years,
Conducting up to 10 launches per day during Mars windows,
Flying a booster every hour and a Starship every day.

With multiple launch sites and several launch towers in development, SpaceX’s Starship program is on track to surpass even the number of active Falcon 9 rockets, marking a new era in space exploration.

NASA and Government Missions Benefit Too

NASA will also benefit from the expansion at SLC-37. Many Artemis program lunar missions will be staged from Florida, requiring more test flights and infrastructure such as in-space refueling. By expanding launch capacity with SLC-37, SpaceX can relieve pressure on LC39A, which is still busy with Falcon 9 operations.

What Will SLC-37 Look Like?

SLC-37 is expected to adopt a PAD-B style launch system like the one used at Starbase. This includes a robust flame trench, an upgraded orbital launch mount, and possibly a taller launch tower for the newest Starship designs.

The Starship at this site will stand roughly 150 meters tall with enhanced thrust and payload capacity. The complex may include more than one launch pad or even a dedicated catching tower to help with booster landings.

SpaceX’s Roberts Road facility near LC39A will handle vehicle assembly in Florida, expanding into a “Star Factory.” Early operations at SLC-37 and LC39A will rely on supply chains from Starbase in Texas.

Flight 10: The Next Big Starship Test

Starship’s progress depends on the upcoming Flight 10 test mission, a crucial step in proving SpaceX’s fully reusable launch system and demonstrating the feasibility of high-frequency, low-cost space access.

The FAA recently cleared SpaceX to move forward after closing the investigation into Flight 8’s mishap. The issue was traced to a Raptor engine failure, and SpaceX took corrective actions before Flight 9. Now, investigations focus only on ship-related anomalies, which should speed up Flight 10’s approval.

Hardware preparations are ongoing: Booster 16 has completed static fire tests, and Ship 36 is being prepared for integration. Launch timing now depends on final reviews.

Do you think Flight 10 will launch this month? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Axiom 4 Delay: Space Challenges Beyond SpaceX

In other news, the Axiom 4 mission aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has been delayed indefinitely. This delay is due to a leak in the Russian-built VZDA module on the International Space Station (ISS).

The leak was first detected in 2019 and has resurfaced recently. While the crew has managed to seal the leak temporarily and the station remains safe, NASA and Axiom Space have decided to delay the flight as a precaution.

This mission is important for international collaboration, with four astronauts from four different countries aboard. The launch vehicle issues that caused previous delays have been resolved, and a new launch date is expected soon — possibly late June or early July. This may also impact the schedule for Starship’s Flight 11.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Exploration

Despite these challenges, SpaceX continues to push forward. The demolition and transformation of SLC-37 mark a historic turning point — one that represents a new philosophy of spaceflight focused on efficiency, reusability, and rapid access to space.

With three Starship launch complexes and ambitious launch cadence goals, SpaceX is setting the stage for a future where space travel is more routine and accessible than ever before.

FAQs

1. What happened to ULA’s launch site at Complex 37?

ULA’s launch site at Complex 37 was demolished to make way for SpaceX’s new Starship launch systems.

2. Why is SpaceX demolishing the ULA launch pad at SLC-37?

SpaceX is transforming the site into a new Starship launch complex to increase launch capacity and support its ambitious spaceflight goals.

3. How many Starship launch sites will SpaceX have after upgrading SLC-37?

SpaceX will have three operational Starship launch complexes: Starbase in Texas, LC39A in Florida, and the newly converted SLC-37.

4. When is the new Starship launch site at SLC-37 expected to be operational?

Construction is expected to take about 18 months, with potential Starship launches starting by mid to late 2026.

5. How many launches per year does SpaceX plan for SLC-37?

SpaceX plans up to 76 Starship launches annually from SLC-37, with 152 total landings including boosters and ships.

6. How does the launch cadence at SLC-37 compare to other sites?

SLC-37’s planned launches significantly exceed those of LC39A (44 launches/year) and Starbase Texas (25 launches/year), making it the busiest site.

7. What changes will be made to SLC-37 to support Starship launches?

The site will feature a PAD-B style launch system, a robust flame trench, an updated orbital launch mount, possibly a taller launch tower, and other supporting infrastructure.

8. How does NASA benefit from SpaceX’s expansion at SLC-37?

SLC-37 will relieve pressure on LC39A, support Artemis lunar missions, enable higher test flight rates, and help build in-space refueling infrastructure.

9. What is Flight 10, and why is it important?

Flight 10 is the next Starship test mission, critical for validating SpaceX’s reusable launch system and advancing toward frequent, low-cost access to orbit.

10. Why was the Axiom 4 mission delayed?

The mission was delayed due to a leak detected in the Russian-built VZDA module on the International Space Station, requiring further safety assessments.

11. When might the Axiom 4 mission launch now?

The launch could be rescheduled for late June or early July, pending resolution of ISS issues and coordination with NASA and SpaceX.

12. What role did the FAA play in Starship’s launch approval?

The FAA investigated prior mishaps on Starship flights 8 and 9, and recently closed the Flight 8 investigation, allowing SpaceX to proceed toward Flight 10.

13. How is SpaceX addressing the issues found in previous Starship flights?

SpaceX implemented eight corrective actions including engine igniter insulation, nitrogen purges, preload adjustments on engine joints, and improved propellant drain systems.

14. How does the transformation of SLC-37 reflect the future of spaceflight?

It symbolizes a shift toward rapid, cost-efficient, reusable launch systems supporting high-frequency missions, marking a new era in American aerospace led by SpaceX.