Archaeologists and University of Central Florida students uncovered ancient Native American artifacts at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in April 2026 [1].
The discovery highlights the intersection of prehistoric habitation and modern aerospace infrastructure, ensuring that ancient cultural sites are documented before new launch activities begin.
Excavations took place at the DeSoto Grove site, located near the shoreline of the Banana River [2]. The team recovered several significant items, including pottery fragments, and conch-shell hammers used for preparing meals [1]. One of the most notable finds was a shark spinal column [3].
Researchers determined that the artifacts date to between AD 900 and AD 1,500 [4]. The dig was conducted as part of an archaeological mitigation effort related to NASA's Artemis II launch activities [5]. This process allows scientists to study pre-colonial Native American habitation in the region while the U.S. government prepares the site for future missions.
The project provided hands-on experience for UCF students while preserving the history of the Florida coast. By excavating the DeSoto Grove site, the team established a clearer timeline of how indigenous populations utilized the coastal resources of the Banana River area centuries before the establishment of the space station [2].
“Artifacts date to between AD 900 and AD 1500”
The discovery emphasizes the necessity of archaeological surveys in high-development zones. Because the site is being prepared for the Artemis II mission, these findings provide a rare window into the dietary and tool-making habits of pre-colonial Florida inhabitants before the land was repurposed for national security and space exploration.
