In a significant development for the South Texas region, Starbase, the home of Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket company, has been officially established as a city. This decision came after a decisive vote on Saturday, where residents overwhelmingly supported the formation of the new city, with 212 votes in favor and only 6 against, according to the Cameron County Elections Department.
Elon Musk took to his social platform, X, to celebrate this milestone, declaring Starbase a “real city!” The facility, which serves as both the launch site and operational hub for the SpaceX rocket program, is under contractual obligations with the Department of Defense and NASA. The ambitious goals of this program include sending astronauts back to the moon and, eventually, to Mars.
The concept of Starbase was first introduced by Musk in 2021, and the approval of this new city was widely anticipated. Out of the 283 eligible voters in the area, the majority are believed to be employees of SpaceX. This electoral victory has personal significance for Musk, especially as his popularity has waned in recent times due to various controversies, including his association with former President Donald Trump’s policies.
While SpaceX has generally enjoyed strong support from local officials due to its job creation and investment in the area, the establishment of an official company town has sparked concerns. Critics worry that the formation of Starbase could enhance Musk’s personal control over the region, potentially allowing him to close access to popular local attractions, such as Boca Chica Beach and Boca Chica State Park, for rocket launches.
In tandem with the city vote, there are ongoing legislative efforts aimed at transferring authority from the county to the new city’s mayor and city council, particularly concerning decisions about local beach access. SpaceX is currently seeking federal approval to increase its launch frequency from five to 25 times a year in South Texas.
The newly formed city covers an area of just 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers) and is characterized by its few roads, airstream trailers, and modest midcentury homes. Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders has expressed the need for the community to grow, highlighting that SpaceX already manages local roads and utilities and provides essential services, including education and healthcare, for residents.
SpaceX officials have argued that granting the city authority to close Boca Chica Beach would facilitate smoother launch operations. However, local critics, including Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr., argue that such authority should remain with the county, which represents a broader population that enjoys the beach and park. The county has previously collaborated effectively with SpaceX, according to Trevino.
The South Texas Environmental Justice Network has organized protests against the city vote and beach access issues, with a recent demonstration attracting dozens of participants. One protester, Josette Hinojosa, emphasized the importance of preserving beach access for her family, who have enjoyed the area for generations. "Some days it’s closed, and some days you get turned away," she lamented.
Another activist, Christopher Basaldú, representing the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas tribe, underscored the sacred nature of the land where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf. He stated, “It’s not just important; it’s sacred.”
The ongoing developments in Starbase reflect not only advancements in space exploration but also the complex interplay between corporate interests and community rights in the rapidly evolving landscape of South Texas.
