SpaceX reveals plans for massive $100bn spaceport in Louisiana, a state new to orbital launches

SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has announced plans for a massive $100 billion spaceport in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, which will be its largest launch facility to date. Named "Starbase Louisiana," the project aims for its first Starship launch as early as 2029, with construction slated to begin in 2027. This sprawling 125,000-acre complex, situated on former Exxon property along the southern coast, is designed to support thousands of Starship flights annually, potentially enabling over 30 launches per day.

The self-sustaining spaceport will feature extensive infrastructure, including 10 launch pads across five complexes, on-site propellant production, power generation, deep-water shipping capabilities, and vehicle processing facilities. Louisiana's selection offers strategic advantages like abundant natural gas and diverse launch trajectories over water, marking a significant shift for a state that has historically manufactured rocket components but never hosted an orbital launch.

The ambitious undertaking is projected to create more than 3,000 direct jobs, with some estimates reaching 10,000, along with thousands of indirect employment opportunities. While state officials, including Governor Jeff Landry, have hailed the project as a historic economic boon, environmental advocacy groups such as the Louisiana Bucket Brigade have voiced concerns regarding the potential impact on the state's fragile coastal wetlands, despite SpaceX's commitment to coastal restoration efforts.