SpaceX aims to secure access to approximately 125,000 acres of land in the Pecan Island area of southern Louisiana. The project will be carried out in a region with a rich ecosystem that supports waterfowl and other wildlife. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell stated that the company intends to utilize only a small portion of the site while preserving the wetlands and maintaining opportunities for fishing, hunting, and boating.
The initial phase of the project will focus on combating coastal erosion, as the state loses between 1 and 3 meters of coastline annually. SpaceX plans to collaborate with state and federal authorities to expand Louisiana’s coastal protection program. Specifically, this involves constructing breakwaters along the Gulf of Mexico coast to slow erosion.
The company intends to begin construction of the initial launch facilities in 2027. The first rocket launch from the Louisiana site is scheduled for 2029. The site is located near the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and offers deep-water access, which will facilitate the transport of rockets and payloads.
Another advantage of the site is its relative proximity to the major “Starfactory” production complex in South Texas, near Boca Chica Beach. Rockets could be transported between the facilities by barge. A southerly launch trajectory also offers the potential to place spacecraft into polar orbits—trajectories that pass near the Earth’s poles.
Louisiana officials reported that they first learned of SpaceX’s interest in the site just over six months ago. The land became available following the legal settlement of dozens of lawsuits accusing ExxonMobil of pollution and the loss of coastal acreage. SpaceX also pledged to create at least 3,000 jobs—and up to 10,000 in the long term—including positions for welders, power engineers, and other specialists.
About the Author
