1 week ago
SpaceX Plans $100 Billion Louisiana Rocket Spaceport
SpaceX wants to build a very large place in Louisiana where rockets can launch.
The company says the project could cost $100 billion.
The site would cover 125,000 acres along the southern coast.
Construction could start in 2027, and the first launch could happen in 2029.
SpaceX wants to use the site for many launches of its reusable Starship rockets.
State officials say it could create 3,000 jobs and support thousands of launches each year.
Environmental advocates worry that construction could harm the coastline.
SpaceX says it will leave much of the land undeveloped and help protect it from erosion.
SpaceX plans to spend $100 billion on a 125,000-acre rocket-launching site in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana.
The site would be SpaceX’s fourth and largest launch facility, supporting reusable Starship missions.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first launch targeted as early as 2029.
State officials say the project could support thousands of launches annually and create 3,000 jobs over a decade.
Environmental advocates fear the project could damage Louisiana’s fragile coastline, while SpaceX says it will protect and restore the land.
- Who
- SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, announced the proposed project with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell.
- What
- SpaceX plans to build a $100 billion rocket-launching spaceport that would become its fourth and largest launch site.
- Where
- On 125,000 acres along Louisiana’s southern coast in Vermilion Parish, about 200 miles west of New Orleans.
- When
- Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first launch targeted for as early as 2029.
- Why
- The location offers access to natural gas and a wide range of launch trajectories, while SpaceX wants to increase launches and place more satellites in orbit.
Environmental concerns
Project proponents
Coastal impact
Environmental concerns
Anne Rolfes of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade said the project could irrevocably alter the fragile coastline and called for public hearings and a transparent process.
Project proponents
Gwynne Shotwell said SpaceX would keep much of the site undeveloped and help with restoration and protection efforts.
Project pace
Environmental concerns
Rolfes said the speed, fanfare and lack of time for public consideration made the project questionable.
Project proponents
Louisiana officials described the agreement as a transformational opportunity for the state and country.
Economic and space benefits
Environmental concerns
Environmental advocates emphasized the need to assess potential harm before moving forward.
Project proponents
State officials and SpaceX cited up to 3,000 jobs, thousands of possible annual launches and increased satellite deployment as benefits.
Key facts
- Estimated investment
- $100 billion
- Site size
- 125,000 acres
- Location
- Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, about 200 miles west of New Orleans
- Construction start
- Expected in 2027
- Target first launch
- As early as 2029
- Potential employment
- 3,000 jobs over a decade
- Potential launch capacity
- Thousands of launches each year
Quotes
Jeff Landry
Governor of Louisiana who promoted the proposed spaceport project.
“It should be thoughtfully done – with public hearings, and a public process that is transparent and gives people time to understand and consider the project”
livemint.com
“Today is nothing short of a transformational moment”
livemint.com
Gwynne Shotwell
SpaceX president and chief operating officer.
“We are committed to doing our part to ensure that this land doesn't disappear”
livemint.com
Sources
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