SpaceX to Build 8-Mile Starpipe for Methane Supply, Start July 2026

SpaceX is planning to construct an 8-mile natural gas pipeline called Starpipe starting as early as July 2026, according to documents filed with the Texas Railroad Commission. The pipeline will transport liquefied methane directly to the company's Starbase launch facility and is expected to begin operations by January 26, 2027.

Currently, Starship consumes approximately 630,000 gallons of liquid methane per launch and relies on hundreds of fuel trucks to deliver it to the launch site, a process that takes several hours and increases logistics costs. SpaceX plans to build a liquefaction facility at Starbase to convert natural gas into liquid methane on-site, aiming to establish a vertically integrated fuel supply chain from sourcing through refueling. The company has already signed over 100 oil and gas leases in Texas since 2023.