SpaceX plans to begin construction next month on an eight-mile natural gas pipeline called 'Starpipe' to its Texas launch facilities, with the project expected to be operational by January 2026 according to regulatory filings seen by Reuters. The pipeline aims to support higher launch rates for SpaceX's Starship rocket by replacing the current tanker truck delivery system for methane fuel. The move reflects SpaceX's strategy to control its supply chain as the company works toward accelerating Starship's development and increasing flight cadence from 12 test launches completed since 2023.
Starpipe Pipeline To Supply Starbase With Natural Gas
Starpipe will terminate at Starbase, SpaceX's company town in Texas, according to a document filed with the Texas Railroad Commission by SpaceX affiliate Lone Star Mineral Development and reviewed by Reuters. The 40-story Starship rocket requires around 630,000 gallons of liquid methane for each launch. The fuel is currently delivered by hundreds of tanker trucks in a process that can take hours.
Starship has completed 12 test launches since 2023. The current tanker truck delivery system is not compatible with plans for a much higher launch rate. Starship is central to SpaceX's efforts to expand its Starlink broadband network, deploy orbital AI data center satellites, and eventually transport astronauts to the moon and Mars.
SpaceX Plans Liquefaction Facility and 50-Year Port Lease
Starpipe would begin on an 83-acre parcel at the Port of Brownsville that SpaceX is negotiating to lease for 50 years, according to Reuters. Engineering plans filed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicate that SpaceX also wants to build a liquefaction facility at Starbase to convert natural gas delivered through the pipeline into liquid methane.
The move into gas infrastructure reflects SpaceX's long-standing strategy of controlling as much of its supply chain as possible.
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FAQ
What is SpaceX's Starpipe pipeline project?
Starpipe is an eight-mile natural gas pipeline that SpaceX plans to construct to its Texas launch facilities, with construction set to begin next month and operations expected to start by January 2026 according to regulatory filings seen by Reuters.
Why does SpaceX need a dedicated gas pipeline for Starship launches?
Starship requires around 630,000 gallons of liquid methane per launch, currently delivered by hundreds of tanker trucks in a process that takes hours. The pipeline and planned liquefaction facility aim to support higher launch rates by replacing the truck delivery system.
How many Starship test launches has SpaceX completed?
Starship has completed 12 test launches since 2023, according to the source.
