SpaceX has announced plans to build a second spaceport for future launches of its Starship mega-rocket at a former Exxon property in Louisiana, concluding a seven-year search for a suitable location. The new launch site will be located in Vermilion Parish, west of New Orleans, approximately 10 hours from SpaceX's existing Starbase complex in South Texas. The company is investing $100 billion, with construction expected to begin in 2027. SpaceX anticipates the first Starship launch will occur in 2029, although Louisiana Economic Development (LED) suggests construction will start by the end of 2027, with initial operations projected for 2030.
Before this new site becomes operational, SpaceX is working to demonstrate that it can successfully fly Starship into low-Earth orbit and achieve reusability, similar to its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. Since 2023, SpaceX has conducted 13 test flights of Starship, achieving various development milestones but still needing to complete significant tasks.
An upcoming 14th test flight may involve sending Starship's upper stage to orbit for the first time. However, the company has not yet returned both the booster and upper stage to the launch pad on a single flight, which is essential for the rocket's reusability. SpaceX aims to demonstrate the ability to return and refurbish the vehicle quickly enough to meet its goal of launching multiple Starships each week.
Despite these challenges, SpaceX is heavily investing in Starship. Recently, CEO Elon Musk indicated that the Falcon rockets will be retired once Starship achieves multiple flights per week, confirming earlier reports from Bloomberg News regarding the end of the Falcon program.
SpaceX has reportedly spent over $8 billion on Starship development, as noted in filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Starship rocket, the largest and most powerful ever built, is critical for maintaining and expanding SpaceX's profitable Starlink satellite internet service. The company is also planning to establish a network of satellites for AI processing, which requires Starship for launches.
The new Starbase site is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs over the next decade, with an average annual salary of $92,600. Additionally, more than 30,000 construction jobs are anticipated at the peak of the buildout.
It is unclear whether SpaceX plans to create a company town around the new Starbase site, similar to its existing facility in Texas, which has its own ZIP code, volunteer fire station, and is developing a police force and community library.
SpaceX aims to develop the new site into a "self-sustaining spaceport" that includes propellant production, power generation, deep-water shipping capabilities, vehicle processing facilities, and an airport.
The Texas Starbase site has experienced high injury rates over the past decade, making it the most hazardous location operated by SpaceX, with hundreds of injuries reported to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. In May, a construction worker from a third-party contractor fell to his death at the site.
Vermilion Parish Police Jury President Chad Vallo expressed optimism about the project, stating, "We are very excited to be in this position to receive one of the best opportunities of a lifetime which will bring not only a variety of jobs to our Parish but will offer opportunities to our grandchildren allowing them to stay home for employment."
SpaceX has faced criticism and legal challenges regarding its environmental practices at its Texas site. According to LED, the company has engaged with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, and other relevant state agencies to address potential impacts on wildlife and fisheries. SpaceX is also collaborating with state and federal agencies to enhance Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan and related projects aimed at shoreline protection and erosion reduction.