Since SpaceX announced Starbase Louisiana in August, the questions haven’t stopped. When does construction start? How many jobs are really coming? Can a local business actually get a piece of the work?
We’ve pulled together the questions we hear most from Acadiana business owners, with answers based on what Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and SpaceX have shared publicly. Bookmark this one. We’ll keep adding to it as the project develops.
Starbase Louisiana at a Glance
- Investment: More than $100 billion, the largest capital investment in Louisiana history
- Location: Roughly 125,000 acres near Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish, about 50 miles south-southwest of Lafayette
- Timeline: Construction expected to begin by the end of 2027, with the first launch targeted as soon as 2029
- Jobs: 3,000 direct jobs over 10 years at an average salary of $92,600, plus about 8,100 indirect jobs, according to LED
The Project
What exactly is Starbase Louisiana?
It’s a planned SpaceX launch campus built around Starship, the company’s fully reusable rocket. LED describes it as the largest spaceport in the world, with capacity for thousands of launches a year. It will be SpaceX’s largest launch site.
What will actually be built there?
Plans call for five launch complexes with two launch pads each, along with vehicle processing facilities, propellant production, on-site power generation, a deep-water shipping port, an airport, and employee housing. In other words, it’s a small city’s worth of construction.
When does construction start?
Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2027, with the first launch targeted as soon as 2029. Timelines on projects this size can shift with permitting and environmental review, so it’s smart to plan around readiness rather than a single date.
Is coastal restoration part of the plan?
Yes. SpaceX has said it will partner with state and federal agencies on coastal restoration in Vermilion Parish, including rebuilding marshland that acts as a natural storm buffer.
Jobs and the Local Economy
How many jobs will Starbase Louisiana create?
LED projects 3,000 direct jobs over the next 10 years, plus about 8,100 indirect job opportunities for local contractors and vendors. SpaceX leadership has publicly estimated the site could eventually support even more permanent jobs.
Will those jobs go to local workers?
SpaceX has said it plans to hire a large share of its workforce locally, with many roles centered on skilled craft work like technicians, welders, and builders. That’s a workforce South Louisiana already has, thanks to decades in oil and gas and industrial construction.
What does this mean for businesses that don’t work in aerospace?
A lot. Thousands of new workers and a multi-year construction effort create demand for housing, food service, logistics, equipment rental, staffing, healthcare, and everyday services. Many of the 8,100 indirect jobs LED projects will come from local businesses growing to meet that demand.
What does Vermilion Parish get out of it?
Under a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement, Vermilion Parish is set to receive a $20 million upfront payment plus $25 million a year for 25 years, with annual increases. SpaceX has also committed a $25 million donation to the Community Foundation of Acadiana.
How Local Businesses Can Get Involved
How do I register to work on the project?
Start in two places. SpaceX has joined Source Louisiana, the state’s supplier platform, and LED also points businesses to SpaceX’s own supplier portal. Register on both, and make sure the details match what’s on your website.
Does registering guarantee my business a contract?
No. Registration gets you on the list. Buyers and prime contractors will still research your company, review your experience, and compare you with other suppliers before awarding work. That’s where your marketing comes in.
What will buyers look at when they research my company?
Usually your website first, then your capability statement, case studies, and online reviews. They want to see what you do, proof that you’ve done it well, and signs that you’re an established, professional operation. If your materials were written only for oilfield buyers, they may not connect the dots.
My business is in oil and gas. Is my experience relevant?
Very likely. Heavy fabrication, safety-critical work, remote job sites, and complex logistics all carry over. The key is presenting that experience in language a new kind of buyer understands. We covered this in our first post, Starbase Louisiana Is Coming: Is Your Marketing Ready?
What to Do Right Now
- Register on Source Louisiana and the SpaceX supplier portal
- Review your website and capability statement through the eyes of an outside buyer
- Update case studies to highlight safety, quality, and schedule performance
- Make sure your business shows up in search for the services you want to be known for
- Show up at regional economic development events and community meetings about the project
Get Your Business Starbase Ready
Rally Marketing is a Lafayette, LA, full-service digital marketing agency with more than 10 years of experience helping local businesses compete and win. If you want to know how your business looks to a buyer today, request a free digital audit and we’ll show you where to start.