SpaceX is scouting possible U.S. and overseas locations to build new "spaceports," CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday, as the company prepares for a future in which its massive Starship rocket could launch thousands of times a year.
Musk Says SpaceX Seeks New Spaceports
Musk took to X to state, "SpaceX is considering several locations domestically and internationally to build the world's most advanced spaceports!" He quoted a post from SpaceX that said the company intends to launch Starship frequently, targeting thousands of flights a year, and will need many viable launch sites to support that cadence.
Unlike traditional expendable rockets, SpaceX claims that it built Starship for rapid reuse with limited refurbishment between flights. The company says that the capability can cut launch costs and support a much higher flight rate. The fully reusable system can carry more than 100 metric tons of cargo and remains central to Musk's long-term plans for Mars colonization, satellite deployment and rapid global transportation.
Starship Ambitions Drive Infrastructure Push
Reuters reported that Musk has previously described future spaceports as operating more like airports, with multiple launches a day and quick rocket turnaround times.
The expansion push comes as SpaceX targets a June listing that could become the world's biggest initial public offering. Reuters has reported that the company aims to raise up to $75 billion at a valuation of roughly $1.75 trillion.
SpaceX currently launches Starship test flights from its Starbase site in Texas and is developing additional infrastructure in Florida. Commercial launch activity has surged globally, putting pressure on major launch sites. The company is also expanding its own manufacturing and launch infrastructure, including multiple pads across Texas and Florida and large new production facilities.
SpaceX Readies Next Starship Test Flight
SpaceX said Starship's 12th test flight, scheduled for May 19, will debut next-generation versions of the rocket, Super Heavy booster and Raptor engines as it tests upgrades aimed at full and rapid reusability.
Meanwhile, SpaceX and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) are also reportedly discussing a launch deal to place data centers in orbit. The proposed project could help bypass Earth's power-grid limits as SpaceX moves toward a potentially historic IPO.
Photo: Frederic Legrand – COMEO on Shutterstock.com
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