Pecan Island, Louisiana – SpaceX today announced it will invest $100 billion to build its largest launch facility in Vermilion Parish. The spaceport is designed to support thousands of launches annually and unlock spaceflight on an unprecedented scale.
The project will have the capacity and infrastructure needed to dramatically increase launch frequency and expand access to space, according to the company.
SpaceX is expected to create 3,000 direct new jobs over the next 10 years, paying an average annual salary of $92,600, 192% above the Vermilion Parish average wage. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the project will generate more than 8,100 indirect new jobs.
Pecan Island is a small, unincorporated community and coastal marsh ridge with a year-round population of 100 to 300 people. The state sold the site, which was formerly owned by Exxon, and it will require historic coastal restoration, according to the company.
Vermilion Parish will become SpaceX's fourth and largest launch site, playing a key role in ramping up Starship missions. At full buildout, the site is expected to include five launch complexes, each with two launch pads and a propellant farm. The development will also include a propellant production facility, power generation, vehicle processing and residential housing for employees and their families.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first launch targeted for as soon as 2029.
"We’re preparing to build a spaceport that, until now, has only existed in science fiction," said SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk. "SpaceX was founded to bring about a future where humans are out exploring amongst the stars, which will only be possible when we make going to space as routine as flying on an airplane. Starbase, Louisiana, will unlock that future." Musk added that the spaceport will become "one of the most inspirational places on the planet."
In a tweet, Musk said, "Starbase Louisiana will ultimately have over a dozen launch towers, enabling more than 30 Starship flights per day and making it the biggest launch site on Earth! SpaceX makes sci-fi real."
Local Benefits
The location offers access to abundant natural gas to provide the power and fuel needed for operations, expansive acreage to support future growth, and a Gulf Coast location that enables launches on a wide range of trajectories.
The state offered SpaceX an incentives package conditional on capital investment, job creation and a $25 million charitable donation to the Community Foundation of Acadiana to address strategic regional priorities and needs arising from the project's growth.
The company is expected to participate in the state’s new Aerospace Facilities and Activities Rebate, created from Act 190 of the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, and the High Impact Jobs program. SpaceX will also receive customized recruitment assistance from LED FastStart.
LED will also fund dedicated contract positions to support project-related work without disrupting existing state services. The additional capacity is designed to support the Louisiana departments of Transportation and Development, Environmental Quality, Wildlife and Fisheries, and Conservation and Energy, as well as the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
On the local level, SpaceX has entered into an agreement with local taxing bodies for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). The company will pay $25 million to the parish every year for the next 25 years, with the annual payment increasing each year through an agreed-upon escalator, plus an additional $20 million up-front payment. The agreement is expected to generate more than $820 million in direct local payments.
SpaceX has already engaged the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and other appropriate state agencies to proactively address potential impacts to wildlife, fisheries and their supporting habitats. The company plans to partner with local conservation organizations and experts to identify opportunities to protect and enhance natural resources surrounding the site while working to avoid, minimize and mitigate potential impacts to Louisiana’s wildlife and habitats.
SpaceX joined Source Louisiana, the state’s online database connecting Louisiana businesses with contract and vendor opportunities tied to major development projects. State businesses are encouraged to register, verify and update their profiles to help ensure they are considered for future contracting opportunities with SpaceX and other projects across the state.
In the coming months, SpaceX plans to host town halls and other community engagement events throughout the surrounding area, giving residents opportunities to meet with the company, learn more about the project, ask questions and provide feedback.
SpaceX has also committed to providing a discount on Starlink internet service for residents in Vermilion Parish. New and existing customers will receive a 50% discount on eligible monthly plans, and new signups will have no upfront hardware costs, according to LED.
