CA, US & World
SpaceX Announces $100 Billion Louisiana Investment, New Launch Site
PECAN ISLAND, Louisiana (WDSU) -- Louisiana officials announced a major SpaceX project Tuesday morning.
According to a news release issued by Louisiana Economic Development, the aerospace company plans to build a launch site near Vermilion Bay, southeast of Lafayette.
Gov. Jeff Landry and state leaders gathered in Abbeville to unveil the long-rumored project, which has been in development for months.
Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX, was not in attendance.
In total, the project is expected to bring a $100 billion investment to the state of Louisiana.
According to a news release issued by SpaceX, the company is expected to create 3,000 direct new jobs over the next 10 years, paying an average annual salary of $92,600, 192% above the Vermilion Parish average wage. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will generate more than 8,100 indirect new jobs for more than 11,100 new job opportunities in Acadiana.
SpaceX is also donating $25 million to the Community Foundation of Acadiana.
According to SpaceX, the company will source Louisiana for in-state vendors and contracts tied to the site.
According to SpaceX, the company develops reusable launch systems, satellite communications and human spaceflight technologies designed to expand access to space.
The company is developing Starship, its next-generation fully reusable launch system. Over the coming years, SpaceX aims to make Starship operational at scale, transforming how humanity accesses space and supporting national priorities like building a base on the Moon and the eventual human exploration and settlement of Mars, according to a statement issued by the company.
The company says Vermilion Parish will become the company's fourth and largest launch site, playing a key role in ramping up Starship missions.
At full buildout, the site is expected to include five launch complexes, each with two launch pads and a propellant farm. The development will also include a propellant production facility, power generation, vehicle processing and residential housing for employees and their families, according to SpaceX.
According to SpaceX, the company has joined Source Louisiana, the state's online database connecting Louisiana businesses with contract and vendor opportunities tied to major development projects. Louisiana businesses are encouraged to register, verify and update their profiles to help ensure they are considered for future contracting opportunities with SpaceX and other projects across the state.
SpaceX also plans to host town halls and other community engagement events throughout the surrounding area, giving residents opportunities to meet with the company, learn more about the project, ask questions and provide feedback. Details will be shared as they become available.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027 with the first launch targeted for as soon as 2029.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on resources in the rural area near the Gulf.
"I do have deep concerns about what this means, because that area of the state that this is going in, it's one of our rural co-ops. Entergy does not have service down in Pecan Island, so it concerns me that one of our co-ops who don't own their own power. What does it mean for them?" said Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis.
SpaceX, founded by Musk in 2002, operates a corporate office and launch site in Texas. Much of the Louisiana deal remains under a nondisclosure agreement, a common practice in economic development negotiations under Landry's administration.
SpaceX says it has already engaged the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and other appropriate state agencies to proactively address potential impacts to wildlife, fisheries and their supporting habitats.
The company plans to partner with local conservation organizations and experts to identify opportunities to protect and enhance natural resources surrounding the site while working to avoid, minimize and mitigate potential impacts to Louisiana's wildlife and habitats.
By: CNN Newsource
August 26, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Ivan Garza with the deep pass TD, 2) Damian Walls with the 99 yard touchdown throw, 3) Jadarius Hester with the punt return TD, 4) James Madden with the 60 plus yard rushing TD, or 5) Kingston Pellum with the contested catch #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
Tim O’Brien introduces Game 2 as the Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the San Diego Gulls! #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsHockey #SanDiegoGulls #AHL #hockeynight
Hurricane Isaias is bringing worsening conditions to Gulf Shores, Alabama, with strong tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain. CNN’s Isabel Rosales describes the intense conditions as the storm approaches. #HurricaneIsaias #SevereWeather #Alabama
Concussion protocol? “You just rub some dirt on it.” 😭🛼 Have you been to a roller derby game yet? Let us know below 👇 #rogginreport #coachellavalley #rollerderby #localsports #nbcpalmsprings
New music Friday! Sheryl Crow drops her 12th studio album, “Pick You Up,” while Greta Van Fleet returns with “Palace for the People.” Plus, British indie band The Lilacs release their debut album, “Keeping Up With The Joneses.” Which new release are you listening to first?
🐕 Desert Hot Springs is cutting ties with a dog rescue in Washington state after an animal cruelty investigation involving nearly 30 dogs. The city suspended its partnership with Pittie Project PNW yesterday. Detectives were called to the property on Monday where they found dogs injured, underweight and living in filthy conditions without enough food or water. Investigators discovered that the property's owner, 38-year-old Ashley Georgia, was solely responsible for their care. All of the dogs were removed and are now getting medical attention.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.