Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has started construction of a commercial launch facility near Boca Chica Beach in Texas, US.
The facility is said to be the first-of-its kind private commercial launch complex designed launch commercial satellites into orbit.
SpaceX CEO and chief designer Elon Musk said: "With today’s groundbreaking at Boca Chica, we will begin an investment in south Texas that will create hundreds of jobs and over time contribute hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy."
The company has been awarded a $2.3m grant in August from the Texas Enterprise Fund, and is expected to attract $85m in capital investment to South Texas while creating 300 jobs.
Scheduled to start operations as early as the third quarter of 2016, the spaceport is expected to conduct around 12 launches each year.
The construction of the commercial spaceport in Texas was planned in 2011.
Texas Governor Rick Perry has since discussed the project with Musk and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Perry has also announced a $4.4m grant to the University of Texas at Brownsville from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, to test and commercialise a new antenna system which will replace fixed satellite-dish tracking communication systems.
SpaceX’s latest development comes after the company launched fourth cargo delivery flight to the International Space Station, as part of a $1.6bn Nasa’s commercial resupply services contract.
Image: Officials at the ground-breaking ceremony of SpaceX’s Texas commercial launch facility. Photo: courtesy of Office of the Governor.
