SpaceX to build 13-kilometer 'Starpipe' pipeline to Starbase in Texas
SpaceX is rolling out a new 13-kilometer natural gas pipeline, nicknamed "Starpipe," to keep its Starbase rockets fueled up in Texas.
Construction kicks off next month and should wrap by January 2027.
This move ditches the old tanker truck system, making it way easier for SpaceX to launch Starship more often.
Pipeline enables on-site methane liquefaction
Right now, every Starship launch needs about 630,000 gallons of liquid methane, all trucked in. With the new pipeline, natural gas will flow straight to Starbase and get turned into liquid methane on-site, cutting delays and boosting efficiency.
Plus, since Starship is key for Moon and Mars missions (and launching tons of satellites), SpaceX has been snapping up oil and gas leases across Texas to make sure they never run low on fuel as their plans ramp up.