SpaceX Unveils $100 Billion Louisiana Launch Site Plan
SpaceX plans a $100 billion spaceport in Louisiana, its largest launch site, targeting first flights by 2029 and thousands of annual launches.
SpaceX has announced plans to construct a new rocket launch facility on Louisiana's southern coast, a project state officials are calling a transformative economic and strategic win. The company intends to invest $100 billion in the site, which would become its fourth and largest spaceport.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry unveiled the plan at a special event on Tuesday, comparing the deal's potential impact to the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. "Today is nothing short of a transformational moment," he told attendees. While Elon Musk did not appear in person, he featured alongside the governor in a promotional video. SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell also addressed the gathering.
The proposed spaceport will occupy 125,000 acres in Vermilion Parish, roughly 200 miles west of New Orleans. State officials highlighted the location's advantages, including access to abundant natural gas and flexibility for launching rockets on a wide range of trajectories. The site is expected to play a key role in scaling up missions of the reusable Starship system, with the potential to support thousands of launches annually.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the first launch targeted as early as 2029. The project is projected to create 3,000 jobs over the next decade.
However, the announcement has drawn concern from environmental advocates. Anne Rolfes, director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, warned that the state may be moving too quickly on a project that could "irrevocably alter" the fragile coastline. She called for a transparent public process with adequate time for hearings and community consideration.
Shotwell responded to such concerns by pledging that SpaceX would keep much of the site undeveloped and would contribute to restoration efforts, including work to reverse land loss from erosion. "We are committed to doing our part to ensure that this land doesn't disappear," she said. The company plans to host town halls and community engagement sessions in the coming months.