SpaceX (SPCX) has announced plans to build a $100 billion U.S. launch facility in the State of Louisiana.
In a statement, SpaceX said it will construct a new “Starbase” in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana on the site of a former ExxonMobil (XOM) property.
Once built, the Starbase in Louisiana will serve as the main launch facility for Starship, SpaceX’s reusable rocket that’s the largest of its kind ever built.
SpaceX, the commercial space company led by Elon Musk, has plans to expand its Starlink satellite network, launch orbital data centres, and eventually colonize Mars.
Those ambitions hinge largely on the success of Starship reusable rockets.
SpaceX said that it will bring about 10,000 permanent jobs to Louisiana with the spaceport.
Louisiana’s Republican Governor Jeff Landry has signed bills into law that exempt some aerospace projects from public review and make unauthorized entry into a spaceport a felony.
SpaceX has previously faced community backlash, lawsuits, and fines following environmental violations at its first Starbase located in Texas.
Within Texas, SpaceX has been sued for multiple environmental violations, including running afoul of the “Clean Water Act” by releasing pollutants into local bodies of water.
SpaceX’s work in Louisiana follows Musk’s move from California to Texas, Tennessee and Mississippi. The company said Louisiana will be its fourth launch site.
SPCX stock has declined 14% since it held its initial public offering (IPO) this June. The company’s shares are currently trading at $137.95 U.S.
