SpaceX plans to build $100bn rocket complex in Louisiana

Elon Musk's SpaceX has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a $100 billion (€85.68bn) rocket launch complex in southern Louisiana. The sprawling 50,585-hectare site on Pecan Island, designated as Starbase Louisiana, will serve as the company's fourth launch facility in the United States. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell revealed that the expansive campus will eventually launch thousands of Starship flights annually, with the inaugural Starship launch anticipated for 2029.

The ambitious self-sustaining spaceport will boast its own methane production for propellant, power generation, deep-water shipping capabilities, sophisticated vehicle processing facilities, and potentially even an airport. A portion of the land will be preserved in its natural wetland state, untouched by infrastructure development. An animated SpaceX video depicts the area dotted with several launchpads nestled among lush greenery.

The legal landscape for SpaceX's Louisiana endeavor was cleared in June when a decade-long lawsuit involving Exxon Mobil was settled, paving the way for the company to pursue its ambitious project. The site was embroiled in the legal battle due to Exxon's coastal drilling and canal dredging activities, which were alleged to have contributed to the state's wetland loss. The agreement reached between Louisiana and Exxon effectively dismissed the lawsuit, enabling SpaceX's plans to proceed.

The economic impact of SpaceX's Louisiana venture is expected to be substantial, with the site projected to generate over 3,000 jobs in the region. These positions are anticipated to pay an average salary of $92,600, a significant 192% increase over the local average wage. The governor's office emphasized that the project would not only bring economic benefits to the region but also represent opportunities for families and momentum for surrounding communities, while also contributing to the protection of the Louisiana coast.