SpaceX to build Louisiana base; will be primary Starship launch site

SpaceX announced plans to construct a new Starbase in Louisiana, marking a significant expansion of its launch capabilities. The company intends to invest over $100 billion in the new facility, which is slated to begin construction next year. This new base aims to support thousands of annual Starship launches, facilitating missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Located in Vermilion Parish, the Louisiana Starbase is designated to become the primary launch site for SpaceX's reusable Starship rocket. The initial launch from this new facility is projected for 2029. The development of Starship is a cornerstone of NASA's ambitious Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon.

This expansion comes amid increased space activity from SpaceX's existing sites in California, Florida, and Texas. While many launches support the Starlink satellite network, SpaceX also collaborates with NASA on International Space Station crew rotations and various commercial, military, and scientific space operations.

SpaceX claims the Louisiana base will help protect the coastline, restore wetlands, and support wildlife. This assertion contrasts with ongoing environmental complaints lodged against its Starbase facility in Texas. Despite these concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorized SpaceX in 2025 to conduct up to 25 annual launches from South Texas, a fivefold increase from the previous limit.