Cape Canaveral

Directed-energy laser weapons are set to be installed at Cape Canaveral Spaceport in Florida to shoot down drones. The deployment is intended to protect the busy launch site from unauthorized unmanned aircraft that could threaten rockets, satellites and personnel during launches. The move highlights growing concern over drone threats at critical space and defense infrastructure, and reflects a broader push to field counter-drone laser systems at sensitive US facilities.

SpaceX is targeting launches of both its Falcon Heavy rocket and the Crew-13 mission on the same day next week from Florida's Space Coast. If the schedule holds, it would be a rare double launch day for the company, with two separate missions lifting off within hours of each other from the Cape Canaveral area. Timing remains subject to weather and technical checks.

The US Space Force is adding laser systems at Cape Canaveral following hundreds of drone flights reported near the port area. The move signals growing military attention to unmanned aircraft activity around the Florida spaceport, a critical launch site. Observers are watching whether the lasers are intended for defense testing, counter-drone operations, or airspace monitoring.