Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch site in South Texas is now officially a city titled “Starbase”.
The transformation was finalized after a local vote Saturday, with 212 in favor and just six against, according to the Cameron County Elections Department. Most voters are believed to be Musk’s SpaceX employees, reports AP.
Musk celebrated the news on X
Starbase serves as the launch facility for SpaceX, which is under contract with NASA and the Department of Defense. The site is key to missions aiming to return astronauts to the moon and eventually send them to Mars. Musk first proposed creating Starbase in 2021, and the move was expected, given that 283 eligible voters reside in the area, mostly SpaceX staff.
While SpaceX has been praised locally for job creation and investment, critics are concerned about Musk’s expanding influence. Starbase now has potential authority to close off access to Boca Chica Beach and State Park for rocket launches. Companion state bills are under consideration to shift that power from the county to the city’s mayor and council.
SpaceX is also seeking federal approval to increase annual launches at Starbase from five to 25. Kathryn Lueders, Starbase’s general manager, wrote to officials in 2024 that “we need the ability to grow Starbase as a community,” citing that the company already handles roads, utilities, schooling, and healthcare for residents.
Still, some local leaders and activists are pushing back. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. said, “the county has worked well with SpaceX and there is no need for change.” Critics also argue that beach closure authority should remain with the county to protect public access.
A proposed bill would make it a Class B misdemeanor to ignore evacuation orders related to launches, punishable by up to 180 days in jail.
On Saturday, the South Texas Environmental Justice Network led a protest against the vote and potential beach restrictions. Josette Hinojosa, participating with her daughter nearby, said, “Some days it’s closed, and some days you get turned away.”
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
