SPACEPORT OF THE FUTURE INITIATIVE AND STUDY ON FUTURE SPACE LAUNCH CAPACITY.

SEC. 1608. SPACEPORT OF THE FUTURE INITIATIVE AND STUDY ON FUTURE SPACE LAUNCH CAPACITY. (a) Study.— (1) Requirement.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall conduct a study, as part of the Spaceport of the Future initiative, to— (A) assess the operational capacity, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability of space launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, including with respect to heavy and super heavy launches from such sites; (B) evaluate the suitability of such sites for ongoing and future missions; (C) explore alternate launch locations that may offer advantages in mission efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or strategic value; and (D) assess the feasibility of incorporating other active spaceports into the national security launch infrastructure of the Department of Defense. (2) Elements.—The study under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An analysis of the current capacity and use of the launch sites (as of the date of the study) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base, including with respect to existing infrastructure, launch frequencies, and operational efficiency. (B) A detailed evaluation of the infrastructure at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base, including with respect to transportation access, environmental considerations, safety protocols, the adequacy of current facilities (as of the date of the study), and the estimated costs of maintaining and upgrading such infrastructure. (C) A review of environmental regulations, policies, and potential effects relating to space launches at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base, including any limitations or challenges imposed by Federal, State, or local regulations and an evaluation of potential strategies to mitigate adverse environmental effects. (D) A comparative analysis of alternate locations for space launches, including sites on Federal lands, private land partnerships, and locations outside the continental United States, taking into account— (i) geographic and orbital dynamic considerations; and (ii) environmental, logistical, and regulatory factors that may make alternate locations viable or advantageous, including cost comparisons and potential challenges in establishing infrastructure at such locations. (E) An examination of the manner in which Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and any potential alternate locations align with national defense and space exploration goals, including with respect to launch site proximity to key orbital paths, security considerations, and redundancy for critical missions. (F) An exploration of the manner in which advancements in space launch technology, including with respect to reusable launch vehicles and space traffic management, could influence the future demand and operational needs for space launch sites. (G) An assessment of any innovative technologies that could enhance the capacity or reduce the environmental impact of existing or alternate space launch sites. (H) A financial analysis of the long-term costs associated with the use and maintenance of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base for space launches, and the estimated costs for establishing and operating alternative space launch sites, including considerations applicable to Government funding, private sector partnerships, and cost-sharing models. (I) An assessment of additional funding required to implement the Spaceport of the Future initiative, including the status, estimated completion dates, and total cost of projects, whether at Federal, State, or commercial space launch facilities. (J) Identification of other coastal locations throughout the continental United States that would be suitable for development to expand national security launch infrastructure. (K) A review of Federal authorities, policies, and statutes that may inhibit expansion of launch infrastructure at existing Department of Defense launch sites. (3) Consultation.—The Secretary shall carry out the study under paragraph (1) in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including commercial space industry representatives, environmental agencies, and local governments. (b) Report.— (1) Initial report.—Not later than March 31, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the study under subsection (a). (2) Elements.—The report under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) recommendations on the future use of space launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and alternate locations; (B) a summary of findings and recommendations on the continued use of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base for space launches; (C) a detailed analysis of alternate launch sites, including with respect to strategic, operational, and financial considerations; (D) policy recommendations for addressing infrastructure needs, environmental concerns, and regulatory challenges for space launch operations; and (E) a summary of the status, estimated completion dates, total cost, and funding required for projects under the Spaceport of the Future initiative. (3) Annual updates.—Not later than March 31 of each of 2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees on the Spaceport of the Future initiative, including with respect to project status, estimated completion dates, total costs, and any updated assessments of funding or infrastructure needs.