SpaceX is preparing to build a second major space base in the United States, in the state of Louisiana, designed to support operations of the Starship system — a giant, fully reusable two-stage rocket. The complex is conceived as a self-sufficient spaceport, bringing together multiple launch platforms, fuel production facilities, power generation infrastructure, and vehicle processing and preparation capabilities.
The infrastructure represents an announced investment of $100 billion and is expected to generate thousands of jobs. The facility is also set to include maritime transport capacity and an airport. Located on the Gulf of Mexico coast on a former Exxon property, it will serve as the company's second major spaceport, after the original Starbase situated in southern Texas.
According to information reported by Tek Notícias, construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first launch from the new facility projected to take place between 2029 and 2030. The scale of the initiative is directly linked to SpaceX's ambition to significantly increase the frequency of Starship launches, requiring infrastructure capable of supporting a volume of flights far exceeding current capacity.
The project is also expected to have a substantial impact on the labour market. Forecasts point to the creation of approximately 3,000 direct jobs over the next ten years. During peak construction periods, the workforce involved could exceed 30,000 workers.
The decision to advance a second major base comes at a time when the Starship system remains in development. Since 2023, SpaceX has conducted 13 test flights, but the system has not yet fully demonstrated the reusability capabilities required to realise the company's broader vision.
For Starship to be considered fully reusable, both the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage must return in a controlled manner to the launch zone. This capability is considered fundamental to SpaceX's ability to conduct launches at high frequency.
Starship occupies a central position in SpaceX's long-term plans. Intended applications include the deployment of large volumes of Starlink satellites, lunar missions, and, further ahead, missions to Mars. The company also intends to use Starship to place into orbit a new generation of satellites designed to support artificial intelligence processing.
With the construction of the new base in Louisiana, SpaceX is seeking to build the capacity for a new scale of space operations, increasing launch frequency and laying the infrastructure foundation for its future programmes.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=534448
