Elon Maska’s space company SpaceX is taking another step toward full autonomy by building its own infrastructure for natural gas extraction and transportation. As reported by Reuters, with reference to documents submitted to the Railroad Commission of Texas, the company will lay a 14-kilometer gas pipeline called Starpipe up to its Starbase complex. This initiative, implemented through a subsidiary of Lone Star Mineral Development, aims to provide Starship missiles with the required amount of fuel for dozens of annual missions.

One launch of a giant rocket requires about 2.4 million liters of liquid methane. Previously, the US Federal Aviation Administration allowed only 5 flights per year, but now the limit has been increased to 25. However, the company’s plans include hundreds of missions, so the need for fuel is huge. To meet this challenge, SpaceX will not only build a 406 mm pipeline, but also build its own gas liquefaction plant directly at Starbase. Pipeline commissioning is scheduled for January 2026.

This project fits perfectly with Maska’s strategy of vertical integration and reducing dependence on external suppliers. Investing in an expanded launch infrastructure and establishing an independent fuel base will enable SpaceX to move into a fast and mass launch regime, which is crucial for realizing ambitious space exploration plans and ensuring full reusability of the Starship system.