TALLAHASSEE Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis welcomed SpaceX’s decision to bring Starship launch capacities and processing operations to Florida. Starship will be the first rapidly and fully reusable launch vehicle in history, designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
In support of these missions, SpaceX will construct new launch and landing infrastructure for Starship at multiple pads within NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, pending environmental approval, as well as a new integration facility, called Gigabay, which will have more than 40 million cubic feet of vehicle processing space. The project includes at least $1.8 billion of SpaceX capital investment and will bring an estimated 600 new full-time jobs in the Space Coast by 2030.
“Florida is the present and future of the space industry with leading space companies—like SpaceX—investing in the Free State of Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We welcome SpaceX’s Starship to our state.”
Kiko Dontchev, SpaceX’s Vice President of Launch said, “SpaceX was founded with the ultimate mission of making humanity multiplanetary, and Starship is the vehicle that will enable us to become a spacefaring civilization. Through this significant expansion of Starship production and launch capabilities in Florida, we’re taking a big step toward achieving this goal, and we are grateful to our partners across the State for their ongoing support.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ bold and unwavering leadership, Florida continues to generate wins across the aerospace and aviation industry,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “SpaceX’s investment in Florida is the direct result of strategic, critical investments made by the Governor in aerospace and aviation infrastructure and workforce development that will have long-term, positive impacts on the lives of Florida’s families and communities, building economic success that will be continue impact the lives of Floridians for many generations to come.”
“SpaceX’s investment in Florida is a major victory for our state and the future of the space industry,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Florida continues to set the pace for space innovation, breaking records with 93 launches in 2024—up from 74 in 2023—and the state is on track to continue this record-breaking momentum into the future as a national leader in space manufacturing, launches, and business development. A special thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Commerce, and Space Florida for their leadership in solidifying Florida’s position as the epicenter of the space economy.”
“SpaceX’s Gigabay project helps advance Florida’s mission to solidify our state as the world’s hub for aerospace commerce. It builds on the foundation we’ve laid over the past decade and accelerates our vision for the future—one where Florida is the choice for the best minds, the boldest innovators, and the most forward-thinking investments. Success in space requires a holistic approach to infrastructure, strategy, and talent, and Florida is leading the way,” said Rob Long, President and CEO, Space Florida.
Congressman Mike Haridopolos said, “This transformative $1.8 billion investment by SpaceX cements Florida’s Space Coast as the launchpad for the future of American spaceflight. With 600 new full-time jobs and the historic addition of Starship launches from Florida, this expansion strengthens our economy, grows our aerospace workforce, and solidifies our leadership in the next generation of space exploration. Governor DeSantis’ steadfast support for the space industry has reinforced Florida’s position as the nation’s space capital, attracting major investments like this and securing our leadership in the future of space exploration. This investment is a testament to SpaceX’s confidence in Florida’s central role in spaceflight, and we are proud to support the groundbreaking missions that will lift off from our shores.”
This project is a significant win for Florida’s aerospace and aviation industry and is the direct result of years of work and collaboration between SpaceX, FloridaCommerce, the Florida Department of Transportation and Space Florida.
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