SpaceX has unveiled plans for a second Starbase spaceport, this time in Louisiana, marking a major step in the company's long-term push to scale Starship operations. The proposed site will be built on a former Exxon property along the Gulf Coast in Vermilion Parish, west of New Orleans.
The company says the project represents a $100 billion investment, with construction expected to begin in 2027. SpaceX has outlined a first Starship launch target for 2029, while Louisiana Economic Development places initial operations closer to 2030.
The new campus is designed to support a broader launch ecosystem, including propellant production, power generation, deep-water shipping access, vehicle processing facilities, and even an airport. SpaceX also says the site is intended to become a self-sustaining spaceport built for high-frequency missions.
The expansion comes as Starship continues its test campaign. Since 2023, SpaceX has completed 13 test flights, and the next mission could be the first to send the upper stage into orbit. Full reusability remains the key milestone, with the company aiming to recover and refurbish both stages quickly enough to support multiple launches per week.
Starship is central to SpaceX's future strategy, especially as the company looks to support Starlink and new satellite networks designed for AI processing. The Louisiana project is also expected to generate thousands of jobs over the next decade, adding momentum to the region's aerospace profile.
If delivered as planned, the new spaceport could help redefine how large-scale orbital infrastructure is built in the United States, opening a new chapter in commercial spaceflight.
