SpaceX has announced plans to build a second, $100 billion Starship mega-rocket launch site in Louisiana. The new spaceport will be located near the Gulf Coast, west of New Orleans and around 10 hours from SpaceX’s existing facility in South Texas. Construction is set to begin in 2027 with operations expected by 2030.

Elon Musk has confirmed that once Starship is flying multiple times per week, he will retire the Falcon rockets. This bet on Starship includes its crucial role for SpaceX’s profitable Starlink satellite internet service and plans to launch an AI satellite network. The new site could create 3,000 direct jobs over 10 years with an estimated average salary of £76,452.

The construction will require a peak of more than 30,000 jobs. SpaceX has faced criticism for its handling of the local ecosystem around its Texas site and has engaged Louisiana state agencies to address potential environmental impacts. However, safety remains a concern, as Starbase in Texas has seen high injury rates over the past decade.

‘We are very excited to be in this position to receive one of the best opportunities of a lifetime which will bring not only a variety of jobs to our Parish but will offer opportunities to our grandchildren allowing them to stay home for employment,’ said Chad Vallo, President of the Vermilion Parish Police Jury.