SpaceX to develop $100 billion Starbase launch complex in Louisiana
SpaceX and Louisiana officials said the company will build a 125,000-acre launch site on Pecan Island, with construction slated to start in 2027 and the first launch expected in 2029.
SpaceX announced plans to construct a $100 billion launch facility on the southern coast of Louisiana, adding a third potential site for its Starship rocket. The project will cover about 125,000 acres on Pecan Island and will include five launch complexes, each with two pads, a propellant production plant, power generation, vehicle processing, and housing for staff and families.
"We're preparing to build a spaceport that, until now, has only existed in science fiction," CEO Elon Musk said. "SpaceX was founded to bring about a future where humans are out exploring amongst the stars, which will only be possible when we make going to space as routine as flying on an airplane. Starbase, Louisiana will unlock that future."
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry confirmed the state will authorize the development and that SpaceX will cooperate on marshland restoration, wildlife preservation, and storm-protection measures as part of a settlement with the former landowner, Exxon Mobil. The site is intended to support launches toward polar regions for the company's planned data-center satellite constellation and to take advantage of regional natural-gas supplies for methane-based rocket fuel.
Construction is projected to begin in 2027, with the first launch targeted for 2029.