SpaceX has revealed plans to construct a second spaceport, dubbed ‘Starbase’, at a former Exxon property in Louisiana, concluding a seven-year search for an ideal location for its Starship mega-rocket launches.
The new facility will be located in Vermilion Parish, along the Gulf Coast, approximately 10 hours from SpaceX’s existing Starbase in South Texas. The company is set to invest $100 billion, with construction slated to begin in 2027 and the first Starship launch anticipated in 2029.
According to Louisiana Economic Development (LED), construction is expected to commence by the end of 2027, with initial operations projected to start in 2030.
Before reaching this milestone, SpaceX must demonstrate the capability of Starship to achieve low-Earth orbit and ensure the rocket’s reusability, akin to its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. Since 2023, SpaceX has conducted 13 test flights of Starship, achieving significant development milestones but still facing challenges.
A forthcoming 14th test flight may see the upper stage of Starship reach orbit for the first time. However, the company has yet to successfully return both the booster and upper stage to the launch pad in a single flight, a critical requirement for true reusability. SpaceX aims to achieve multiple Starship launches each week, necessitating rapid refurbishment of the vehicle.
Despite these hurdles, SpaceX is heavily investing in Starship. Recently, CEO Elon Musk indicated plans to retire the Falcon rockets once Starship achieves regular flight operations. This aligns with earlier reports suggesting the company has begun informing potential customers about the impending conclusion of the Falcon program.
SpaceX has reportedly invested over $8 billion in the development of Starship, which is the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed. This rocket is vital for sustaining and expanding SpaceX’s profitable Starlink satellite internet service. The company is also planning to deploy a network of satellites dedicated to AI processing, which will rely on Starship for launches.
The new Starbase facility is projected to generate 3,000 direct jobs over the next decade, with an average annual salary of $92,600. At the peak of construction, over 30,000 jobs are expected to be created.
It remains uncertain whether SpaceX plans to establish a company town around the new Starbase site, similar to its Texas location, which has its own ZIP code and is developing local governance structures. The Texas site has faced scrutiny due to high injury rates among workers, prompting SpaceX to engage with state agencies in Louisiana to mitigate potential environmental impacts.
In its announcement, SpaceX expressed intentions to create a “self-sustaining spaceport” equipped with propellant production, power generation, deep-water shipping capabilities, vehicle processing facilities, and an airport.
Chad Vallo, President of the Vermilion Parish Police Jury, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the job opportunities it will bring to the local community.
SpaceX has committed to working with state and federal agencies to enhance Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan and to implement projects aimed at protecting coastal wetlands and reducing shoreline erosion.