SpaceX has committed to building a $100 billion Starship rocket launch complex in Louisiana, with construction set to begin in 2027 and the first launch targeted for 2029, state officials and the company announced Tuesday.
The 125,000-acre (50,585-hectare) facility in Vermilion Parish will serve as the company’s fourth and largest launch site, supporting thousands of Starship flights annually. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell outlined plans for a self-sustaining spaceport with propellant production, power generation, deep-water shipping, vehicle processing, and an airport. The site, formerly owned by Exxon, offers access to abundant natural gas and flexible launch trajectories.
Economic and Political Backing
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called the project a “transformational moment”, comparing its impact to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. State lawmakers approved sizable tax incentives to secure the deal, which SpaceX estimates will bring more than 3,000 jobs to the region.
“This project means more than just steel, technology, and capital,” Landry said at a Tuesday event. “It represents jobs for our families. It represents momentum for our communities, and it represents protection for our coast.”
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk appeared in a promotional video alongside Landry but did not attend the announcement in person. The company’s shares rose 2.5% following the news.
Environmental and Community Concerns
Environmental advocates, including Anne Rolfes of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, warned the project could “irrevocably alter” the state’s fragile coastline. SpaceX has faced past backlash over environmental violations at its Texas Starbase facility, including concrete launchpad explosions during Starship test flights and fines for pollution.
In response, SpaceX pledged to partner with Louisiana on “historic coastal restoration” to “bring the marsh back” and enhance storm protection around the new facility.
Nearby residents have also raised concerns about water pollution, land pressure, and forced sales, echoing past disputes in South Texas, where SpaceX operates its primary Starship development site.
Strategic and Operational Details
The Louisiana site will complement SpaceX’s existing launch locations in Florida, Texas, and California, with the Starship rocket—the largest ever built—designed for full reusability. The company aims to massively expand its Starlink satellite network, deploy orbital data centers, and advance long-term goals like Mars colonization.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first Starship launch slated for 2029. SpaceX has conducted a seven-year search for the site, prioritizing fuel access and launch flexibility.