In brief
SpaceX is developing its largest launch complex yet, a $100 bn Starbase Louisiana facility covering 125,000 acres. Construction begins next year to support thousands of Starship flights to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond, with the first flight expected in 2029. The project will create more than 3,000 direct jobs and an additional 8,100 indirect jobs, with wages projected 192% above the regional norm. While SpaceX’s Nasdaq debut—world’s biggest tech IPO—has seen shares drop over 30%, investors will watch as the company loads up on hardware and infrastructure for its space ambitions.
Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX has announced plans to construct its largest launch site yet in Louisiana, a $100 bn Starbase Louisiana facility covering 125,000 acres.
Construction is slated to begin next year, with the launch complex designed to support thousands of Starship flights annually to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond, targeting its first flight from Louisiana in 2029.
In addition to expanding the company’s footprint beyond Texas and Florida, the project will generate more than 3,000 direct jobs at the base and an estimated 8,100 indirect jobs, with average wages projected to be 192% higher than the region’s current average.
SpaceX’s recent debut on Nasdaq—the biggest tech IPO to date—has seen shares dip over 30% from their high, yet investors are watching closely as the company pushes forward with ambitious expansion such as a $16.8 bn AI chip plant in Texas.
The new facility will share its name with the existing Texan Starbase site on the southern tip of the state, and community leaders in Cameron County have already incorporated the land into a city called Starbase.
