New SpaceX $100 Billion Louisiana Starbase Could Handle Thousands Of Launches A Year

SpaceX is planning a $100 billion launch campus in Louisiana that could become the world’s largest spaceport, even as the company works toward making Starship operational at scale.

The Vermilion Parish site is designed to support thousands of launches annually while creating thousands of jobs across Acadiana.
 

TL;DR

 

• SpaceX plans to invest $100 billion in a new Vermilion Parish launch site, its fourth and largest.
• The project is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs and more than 8,100 indirect jobs, with direct roles averaging $92,600 annually.
• Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first launch targeted for as soon as 2029.

 

SpaceX’s $100 Billion Louisiana Spaceport Targets Thousands Of Launches Annually

The Gulf Coast site, called Starbase, Louisiana, is being developed to increase launch frequency for Starship and future missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond.

At full buildout, the campus is expected to include five launch complexes, each with two launch pads and a propellant farm. Plans also include propellant production, power generation, vehicle processing and residential housing for employees and their families.

“We’re preparing to build a spaceport that, until now, has only existed in science fiction,” SpaceX Founder and 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. Thank you Governor Landry and the people of Louisiana for joining us on this journey, and for their help in the years ahead as we work together to build one of the most inspirational places on the planet.”
 

 

Starbase Louisiana Could Create More Than 11,100 Jobs Across Acadiana

The project is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs over the next decade, paying an average annual salary of $92,600, which Louisiana Economic Development says is 192% above the Vermilion Parish average wage.

Another 8,100-plus indirect jobs are projected, taking the broader employment impact beyond 11,100 opportunities. Louisiana also expects significant local revenue through a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement.

SpaceX will pay the parish $25 million annually for 25 years, with payments increasing each year, plus a $20 million upfront payment. The agreement is expected to generate more than $820 million in direct local payments.
 

 

SpaceX Targets 2027 Construction And A First Louisiana Launch As Soon As 2029

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with SpaceX targeting its first Louisiana launch as soon as 2029. The company has also engaged state wildlife, fisheries and coastal agencies to address potential environmental impacts and says it will work with conservation groups around the site.

SpaceX plans to host local town halls and has joined Source Louisiana to connect state businesses with contracting opportunities. It is also offering Vermilion Parish residents a 50% discount on eligible Starlink monthly plans, with no upfront hardware costs for new signups.

If the schedule holds, Louisiana would become home to SpaceX’s largest planned launch site and a key base for scaling Starship operations.