SpaceX Plans Major Louisiana Launch Hub Near Vermilion Bay, Creating Thousands of Jobs

SpaceX unveiled a $100 billion plan to build a multi-site launch complex near Vermilion Bay, southeast of Lafayette, Louisiana, including five launch complexes with two pads each, a propellant farm, a power/processing hub and housing for employees. The project aims to make Starship operational at scale, with first launches targeted as early as 2029. It is expected to create about 3,000 direct jobs (avg. salary ~ $92,600) and over 8,100 indirect roles, while prioritizing in-state vendors and contributing $25 million to the Acadiana Community Foundation. Construction could begin in 2027, and the plan includes extensive environmental coordination and community engagement; some residents and officials have raised concerns about impacts to rural resources. Elon Musk did not attend the announcement.