The correct answer is Option 1: Florida.

Cape Canaveral, also known as Cape Kennedy, is located on the east coast of Florida. It is a prominent spaceport and the primary site for the launch of space shuttles and other space missions in the United States. Here`s some detailed reasoning and extra information to support this answer:

1. Historical Significance: Cape Canaveral has a rich history in the field of space exploration. It was originally established as a missile testing range by the U.S. Army in 1949. Since then, it has evolved into one of the most important launch sites for space missions.

2. Kennedy Space Center: Cape Canaveral is home to the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), which is the primary launch site for NASA`s human spaceflight missions. KSC is located on Merritt Island, adjacent to Cape Canaveral, and has been the launch site for numerous iconic missions, including the Apollo moon landings and the Space Shuttle program.

3. Geographical Location: Cape Canaveral is situated on the east coast of Florida, specifically on a barrier island known as Cape Canaveral Spaceport. It is positioned approximately midway between Miami and Jacksonville. Its coastal location provides favorable access to both the Atlantic Ocean and outer space, allowing for efficient launches.

4. Nearby Cities: The nearest major city to Cape Canaveral is Orlando, which is approximately 50 miles west of the spaceport. Orlando is known for its tourism industry and is home to popular attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The close proximity of Cape Canaveral to Orlando makes it convenient for visitors to explore both destinations.

5. Alternative Options: The other options provided—Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina—are not correct. While these states have their own significance and involvement in various industries, they do not host the Cape Canaveral spaceport. Virginia, for example, is home to NASA`s Wallops Flight Facility, which is another important launch site, but it is not the location for space shuttle launches.

In summary, Cape Canaveral, the site from which space shuttles are launched, is located on the coast of Florida. The historical significance, presence of Kennedy Space Center, geographical location, and nearby cities all point to Florida as the correct answer.