SpaceX will build the largest spaceport in the US for $100 billion
SpaceX is investing $100 billion in the construction of a new spaceport, Starbase Louisiana, in the state of Louisiana. Upon completion, it is expected to become the company's largest launch complex and, according to state authorities, the largest spaceport in the world.
This was reported by the state economic development agency Louisiana Economic Development (LED).
The new complex will be built in Vermilion Parish on the Gulf Coast. SpaceX plans to use it primarily for a massive increase in the number of launches of the reusable Starship system.
Construction is planned to begin in 2027. The company wants to make the first launch from the site as early as 2029.
Ten sites and thousands of launches
Upon full completion of construction, Starbase Louisiana is to consist of five launch complexes, each with two launch pads and its own infrastructure for storing rocket fuel.
Facilities for fuel production, its own energy infrastructure, spacecraft servicing complexes, and housing for employees and their families are also planned on the site.
According to LED estimates, the new spaceport will eventually be able to support thousands of launches per year. It will become the fourth and largest SpaceX launch site.
The company expects that a significant increase in Starship launches will be needed for the deployment of satellite systems, orbital data centers, flights to the Moon, and future missions to Mars.
Over 11 thousand jobs
Over the next ten years, SpaceX is to create about 3,000 direct jobs with an average salary of $92.6 thousand per year. That is nearly three times the average wage in Vermilion.
Another more than 8.1 thousand jobs, according to Louisiana authorities, will appear in related industries. Thus, the total effect of the project could exceed 11 thousand new jobs.
The spaceport will be located on a large tract of former Exxon property that the state is selling to SpaceX. One of the advantages of the site, according to the company, is access to natural gas needed for energy and fuel production, as well as access to the Gulf of Mexico.
SpaceX will pay Louisiana hundreds of millions of dollars
The state authorities offered SpaceX a package of economic incentives that will depend on the company's fulfillment of obligations regarding investments and job creation.
Under a separate agreement with local authorities, the company will pay Vermilion $25 million annually for 25 years instead of property tax. The payment amount will gradually increase. In addition, SpaceX will contribute $20 million one-time.
In total, direct payments to local authorities under this scheme are expected to exceed $820 million. The company also agreed to allocate $25 million for charitable and regional projects.
SpaceX has already begun coordinating the future construction with Louisiana environmental agencies. The territory of the new complex is located near coastal ecosystems, so the company stated that it plans to minimize the impact of construction on wildlife and water resources.
Materials: Louisiana Economic Development, TechCrunch
