SpaceX Plans Satellite Facility in Manatee County, Records Show
SpaceX is preparing to expand its Florida operations with a new satellite facility in eastern Manatee County, according to development records filed with local government offices. The proposed project, located in the rural Myakka City area, is identified in permit documents as a “satellite facility,” suggesting it may serve as a ground station to support the company’s Starlink internet network.
Publicly accessible county filings indicate that SpaceX has initiated the permitting process; however, specific details regarding the timeline, size, and intended capabilities of the facility have not been released. The application appears to be in the preliminary stages, requiring additional review and approval from Manatee County planning officials.
The Myakka City location offers open land and strategic positioning within Florida’s infrastructure network, making it a practical choice for SpaceX as it broadens its presence beyond launch sites along the Space Coast. Ground stations like this one are essential to maintaining communication with the thousands of satellites currently in low-Earth orbit for the Starlink broadband system.
While neither SpaceX nor Manatee County representatives have issued official statements about the project, its appearance in local government filings marks a significant step in SpaceX’s continued terrestrial expansion.
This facility would contribute to the company’s broader goal of building a resilient global internet service, especially in rural or underserved areas, using satellite technology.
Sources:
Manatee County Development Services records