Vermilion Parish campus will become SpaceX’s largest launch facility, supporting thousands of annual launches and future missions to the Moon and Mars
PECAN ISLAND, La. (August 26, 2026) — SpaceX will invest $100 billion to develop its largest launch facility in Vermilion Parish, establishing Louisiana as a global center for commercial spaceflight, aerospace manufacturing and next-generation technology.
The historic project is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs over the next decade with an average annual salary of $92,600—approximately 192% higher than the average wage in Vermilion Parish.
Louisiana Economic Development estimates the SpaceX investment will also support more than 8,100 indirect jobs, bringing the project’s total employment impact to more than 11,100 new job opportunities across Acadiana.
“Today is a pivotal moment for Louisiana,” Gov. Jeff Landry said. “This announcement pushes our state beyond $250 billion in new investment and puts us at the center of the next great frontier. We have the people and talent to build what the world once thought impossible, creating jobs on land, across the Gulf and through space. Our job creation knows no bounds. This is America First. This is Louisiana First. I want to thank Elon Musk and the entire SpaceX team for choosing Louisiana.”
SpaceX Plans World’s Largest Launch Facility in Louisiana
Founded in 2002, SpaceX develops reusable launch systems, satellite communications and human spaceflight technologies designed to make space more accessible.
The company operates the Falcon rocket and Dragon spacecraft fleets, manages the global Starlink satellite network and is developing Starship, its next-generation, fully reusable launch system. SpaceX aims to operate Starship at scale to support national priorities, including the development of a permanent base on the Moon and the eventual human exploration and settlement of Mars.
The Vermilion Parish campus, known as Starbase, Louisiana, will become SpaceX’s fourth and largest launch site. The facility will play a central role in increasing the frequency of Starship missions and expanding access to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond.
At full buildout, the Louisiana spaceport is expected to include five launch complexes, with each complex featuring two launch pads and a propellant farm. Plans also call for:
- A propellant production facility
- Power-generation infrastructure
- Spacecraft and launch-vehicle processing facilities
- Residential housing for SpaceX employees and their families
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first launch targeted for as early as 2029.
“We’re preparing to build a spaceport that, until now, has only existed in science fiction,” SpaceX Founder and CEO Elon Musk said. “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. Thank you Governor Landry and the people of Louisiana for joining us on this journey, and for their help in the years ahead as we work together to build one of the most inspirational places on the planet.”
Louisiana’s Gulf Coast Advantages Support SpaceX Expansion
SpaceX selected Louisiana following a historic period of global investment in the state. The Vermilion Parish site offers a combination of strategic advantages, including abundant natural gas, expansive acreage for future growth and a Gulf Coast location capable of supporting launches across a wide range of trajectories.
The campus is expected to support missions that expand global internet connectivity, establish orbital data centers and advance human spaceflight to the Moon and Mars.
The project also places Louisiana at the intersection of aerospace, advanced manufacturing, energy and technological innovation. SpaceX will be able to draw upon generations of industrial experience developed along Louisiana’s working coast.
“SpaceX’s historic commitment to Louisiana is an undisputable signal to the world that we are executing at the highest level and leading in the next generation of industry,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Louisiana’s coast helps power America’s economy through the oil and gas industry. While opportunities in that industry have changed over time, the talent, ingenuity and work ethic that built it remain.”
“SpaceX will tap into that same foundation of skilled workers and businesses, creating new career paths and economic activity in an entirely new sector while building on generations of industrial expertise,” Bourgeois added.
Former Industrial Property Begins New Economic Chapter
Through the state’s sale of the former Exxon property to SpaceX, the site will return to productive commercial use as the home of one of the world’s most advanced aerospace developments.
The project creates a new economic future for an industrial asset that helped shape the region’s past, while providing local residents with access to careers in an emerging global industry.
“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,” Vermilion Parish Police Jury President Chad Vallo said. “A huge thank you goes out to the team that followed this through, especially Governor Jeff Landry.”
SpaceX Plans Environmental and Community Engagement
SpaceX has begun working with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and other state agencies to identify and address potential effects on wildlife, fisheries and surrounding habitats.
The company plans to collaborate with conservation organizations and environmental experts to avoid, minimize and mitigate potential impacts while identifying opportunities to protect and enhance natural resources near the development.
SpaceX also plans to conduct town halls and community engagement events throughout the surrounding region. The meetings will allow residents to learn more about the development, speak with company representatives, ask questions and provide feedback. Event details will be announced as they become available.
In addition, SpaceX announced a Starlink internet discount for Vermilion Parish residents. New and existing customers will receive a 50% discount on eligible monthly service plans, while new customers will not be required to pay upfront hardware costs.
SpaceX Investment Expected to Transform Acadiana Economy
Regional leaders expect the project to create opportunities well beyond the jobs located directly at the spaceport. Its economic impact is anticipated to reach local manufacturers, suppliers, construction firms, service providers and other businesses across Acadiana.
“SpaceX’s investment is a defining moment for Acadiana and one of the most significant economic development achievements in our region’s history,” One Acadiana President and CEO Troy Wayman said. “At the heart of One Acadiana’s work is creating quality jobs that allow people to build careers, support their families and create a future right here at home.”
“This project will create thousands of jobs, but its impact will reach far beyond employment,” Wayman continued. “It will strengthen local businesses, create new opportunities and positively change the economic trajectory of communities for generations.”
SpaceX has joined Source Louisiana, the state’s online database connecting Louisiana businesses with contracting and vendor opportunities associated with major economic development projects.
Louisiana companies are encouraged to register and verify their profiles to help ensure they are considered for future opportunities connected to SpaceX and other major investments across the state.
Louisiana Incentives Support SpaceX Development
The SpaceX project resulted from Louisiana Lightning Speed, the state’s whole-of-government economic development strategy established through an executive order from Gov. Landry.
The initiative brings state agencies together early in the economic development process to coordinate infrastructure, permitting, workforce development, environmental regulation, coastal protection and other project requirements.
Louisiana offered SpaceX a competitive performance-based incentives package tied to capital investment, job creation and a $25 million charitable contribution to the Community Foundation of Acadiana. The donation will support strategic regional priorities and community needs associated with growth generated by the project.
SpaceX is expected to participate in Louisiana’s Aerospace Facilities and Activities Rebate, created through Act 190 of the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, as well as the state’s High Impact Jobs program.
The company will also receive customized workforce recruitment and training support through LED FastStart.
To meet the demands of the development without disrupting existing public services, LED will fund dedicated contract positions supporting project-related work within 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.
SpaceX Agreement to Generate More Than $820 Million in Local Payments
SpaceX has entered into a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement with local taxing authorities.
Under the agreement, the company will pay Vermilion Parish $25 million annually for 25 years. The annual payment will increase through an agreed-upon escalator, and SpaceX will provide an additional upfront payment of $20 million.
The agreement is projected to generate more than $820 million in direct local payments, providing significant long-term revenue for Vermilion Parish and its public services.
The $100 billion SpaceX campus represents one of the largest economic development investments in Louisiana history. With thousands of jobs, extensive local business opportunities and infrastructure capable of supporting a new era of commercial spaceflight, the project is positioned to reshape the economic future of Vermilion Parish, Acadiana and the state of Louisiana.
