Aerospace manufacturer SpaceX plans to build the world’s biggest spaceport at a cost of $100bn in Vermilion Parish on Louisiana’s Gulf coast.
The development will be SpaceX’s fourth launch site and will include five launch complexes, each with two launch pads and a propellant farm, plus a propellant production facility, power generation, vehicle processing and housing for employees.
Located on the site of a former Exxon property, the project is expected to create 3,000 direct new jobs and 8,100 indirect new jobs.
SpaceX says in a statement that it is working with the state on land preservation by using dredged material and offshore sediment.
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s chief executive, said: “We’re preparing to build a spaceport that, until now, has only existed in science fiction.
“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.”
The spaceport announcement follows SpaceX’s stock market debut earlier this year, which was the largest in history and made Musk the world’s first trillionaire.
Construction is due to begin in 2027, with the first launch targeted for 2029.
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