- SpaceX unveiled plans on Tuesday to build a $100 billion Starship launch complex in southern Louisiana.
- The site will be located on 125,000 acres of former Exxon land in Vermilion Parish, named Starbase, La.
- Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first launch targeted for as early as 2029.
- The project is expected to generate 3,000 jobs over a decade.
- SpaceX has launched rockets from Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg, and Starbase in South Texas.
SpaceX has announced a transformative $100 billion plan to build a Starship launch complex in southern Louisiana, covering 125,000 acres of land. Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with the first launch expected by 2029. This site, named Starbase, La., will be the company's largest launch facility, significantly expanding its operations beyond Texas and Florida.1235
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry hailed the project as a monumental win, comparing its impact to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. He stated, “This project means more than just steel, technology, and capital. It represents jobs for our families. It represents momentum for our communities, and it represents protection for our coast.”
The site is expected to support thousands of launches annually, generating 3,000 jobs over the next decade. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, stating, “We are committed to doing our part to ensure that this land doesn't disappear.”4
However, environmental advocates like Anne Rolfes from the Louisiana Bucket Brigade expressed concerns about the rapid pace of development, warning it could “irrevocably alter” the state’s fragile coastline. Rolfes called for a more transparent public process to address these concerns.
The complex will feature self-sustaining capabilities, including propellant production and deep-water shipping, positioning Louisiana as a critical hub for SpaceX's future satellite launch ambitions.
“The 125,000-acre site on Pecan Island, more than eight times the size of Manhattan, will be SpaceX's fourth and largest launch site, supporting thousands of launches annually. Gov. Jeff Landry likened the deal to the Louisiana Purchase, while environmentalists warn it could 'irrevocably alter' the fragile coastline.”
CBS News
CP24
