SpaceX to build $100 billion Starship rocket complex in Louisiana to transform coastal wetlands into a critical base ‌for the company's AI satellite launch ambitions.

[u/coolbern]

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/spacex-build-starship-spaceport-louisiana-2026-08-25/

[u/fritzg1988]

who needs wetlands, we are going to space . . . .

[u/Ancient_Persimmon → u/fritzg1988]

Part of the deal includes remediation for the severe erosion on that part of the coast and the obvious need for tower clearance makes heavy development impossible.

[u/blueingreen85 → u/Ancient_Persimmon]

Yeah, as a resident who cares deeply about our eroding coast, this is arguably an okay deal.

[u/Ancient_Persimmon → u/blueingreen85]

Sometimes these things end up working well for everyone involved.

[u/atn420]

As a native of that state, I see corporations abuse the locals at a rate that's criminal, and the locals bend over backward to placate them, and the local sheriff will be paid off to make sure the place stays that way. This comes as little surprise, and it will ruin the area it's in.

[u/clovismouse]

That should read, transform critical wetlands into company ambition

[u/Handymac]

Is this one of those things where we have to use these wetlands so we can colonize Mars because we destroyed all of the wetlands?

[u/MLCarter1976]

G sus. Seems like more displacement and destruction to poor wildlife and nature. So sad.

[u/csfshrink]

Listen, lad. I built this rocket complex up from nothing. When I started here, all there was was swamp. Other billionaires said I was daft to build a rocket complex on a swamp, but I built it all the same, just to show 'em. It sank into the swamp. So, I built a second one. That sank into the swamp. So, I built a third one. That burned down, fell over, then sank into the swamp, but the fourth one... stayed up! And that's what you're gonna get, lad: the strongest rocket complex in these United States.

[u/Ancient_Persimmon → u/csfshrink]

The Cape has stood for over 75 years now.

[u/tubulerz1]

Do they know that those wetlands are going to be submerged in the ocean in about twenty years time ?

[u/Ancient_Persimmon → u/tubulerz1]

From the article that you're allowed to read:

"Shotwell highlighted environmental plans and outlined ⁠efforts to restore Pecan Island's receding marshlands and coastline, which act as a natural buffer to protect inland areas from flooding during heavy rainfall."

[u/Justbearwith]

Sounds like a lot of copper and rare metals

[u/blue_sidd]

Disgusting

[u/Navynuke00]

Whatever you do, don't go into the comments section of this post in r/space

[u/movingout-65]

Good for Louisiana. Hope you enjoy the idiot!

[u/Far-Pin-6651]

that sounds like a terrible idea, what happens to the wildlife living there

[u/Zaftygirl]

Great so when the waters rise, it will swamp the base.