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Official City of SpaceX in Southern Texas Approved in Local Vote; Elon Musk’s Project Faces Support and Criticism for Possible Control of Public Areas.
In the far south of Texas, a new city has emerged with a name that sounds like it’s from a futuristic movie: Starbase. The locality, which houses SpaceX’s rocket launch site, was officially approved as a city after a vote among its residents last Saturday, the 4th.
Vote Confirms Elon Musk’s Plan
The vote was decisive. Out of the 283 eligible voters, 212 voted in favor and only 6 against. The majority of the voters are SpaceX employees, which already indicated a favorable outcome.
Elon Musk, the founder of the company and current owner of the area, celebrated the result on his social media platform X: “Now it’s a real city!,” he wrote.
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The plan for the creation of Starbase was presented by Musk in 2021.
The area where the city was established is limited, with only about 3.9 square kilometers. It is located near the border with Mexico, surrounded by simple roads, modest houses, and trailers. The approval marks a step forward in the company’s control over the territory.
Launches, Tests, and Own Structure
Starbase is currently the site for testing and launching SpaceX rockets. The company is contracted with NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense. SpaceX’s goal is ambitious: to take humans back to the Moon and, eventually, to Mars.
The general manager of Starbase, Kathryn Lueders, had already communicated in 2024 that the company needed the city to expand its operations. In a letter sent to local authorities, she stated that SpaceX already provides essential services such as roads, education, and healthcare. With the city status, the company can now formalize this infrastructure.
Additionally, SpaceX has requested permission to increase the number of launches per year from five to 25. This increase requires greater control over the territory, including closing roads and access to public areas.
Controversy Over Beach Closure
One of the major controversies involves access to Boca Chica Beach and Boca Chica State Park. SpaceX frequently needs to close the area to move equipment and conduct tests. Currently, control over these accesses lies with the Cameron County government. However, pending bills may transfer this power to the new city government.
This has raised concerns among residents and environmental groups. One of the bills proposes punishment of up to 180 days in jail for those who violate evacuation orders for the beach during launches. The proposal has been met with protests.
The South Texas Environmental Justice Network organized a demonstration on Saturday, gathering dozens of people.
The group criticizes the loss of public access and fears that Musk will have excessive power over the region’s natural and historical areas.
Tradition and Resistance
For many residents, the beach holds value beyond leisure. Rosette Hinojosa, present at the protest with her young daughter, said she participates to defend her family’s right to visit the beach, as they have for generations. “We want to keep coming here,” she stated.
Christopher Basaldú, an organizer of the demonstration and a member of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas, also attended the protest. He asserted that the area where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf is sacred to his people. “It’s not just important,” he said, “it’s sacred.”
Despite the criticism, local authorities are still trying to maintain balance.
The Cameron County judge, Eddie Treviño Jr., stated that the county has been collaborating with SpaceX and sees no need for changes in authority over the beach.
Regional Impact and Vision for the Future
The impact of SpaceX in the region is undeniable. The company has brought investment, jobs, and national attention to southern Texas.
For this reason, it receives support from a significant portion of politicians and residents. However, the transformation of the area into an officially controlled city by the company raises questions about governance, the environment, and public access.
For Musk, the creation of Starbase represents more than just a launch site.
It is a symbolic step toward his dream of expanding human presence in space. For critics, it is also a warning about the encroachment of private authority into public areas.
The vote has ended, but the debate about the future of Starbase is just beginning.
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