Elon Musk’s dream of turning his SpaceX spaceport into an official city came true on Saturday when voters overwhelmingly approved the creation of Starbase, Texas. The proposal received 97.7% approval in a vote held at the SpaceX facility on Boca Chica Bay, near the U.S.-Mexico border. SpaceX employees and their families made up the majority of voters. With the vote results confirmed, Musk celebrated on social media, calling Starbase a “real city.” This new designation will allow SpaceX more control over local governance and development.
Starbase Becomes a Reality
On April 29, voters in Cameron County, Texas, cast their ballots in favor of making Starbase a municipality. The site, a key testing area for SpaceX’s rocket launches, is located on Boca Chica Bay, just north of the Mexican border. The approval grants Starbase authority over construction, permitting, and taxes, as well as the ability to create local laws.
SpaceX has long been focused on its mission to Mars, and this move marks another milestone in Musk’s vision. The overwhelming support for the initiative, with nearly 98% in favor, signals a shift in governance that will help streamline operations at the spaceport.
Bobby Peden Named Mayor
In an unsurprising turn, Bobby Peden, SpaceX’s Vice President of Testing and Launches, was named the mayor of Starbase. Peden was the only candidate on the ballot and received 100% of the early vote. He is responsible for overseeing the development and testing of SpaceX’s rockets at the site.
The approval of Starbase’s city status also means that SpaceX employees, including Musk, are eligible to vote. However, it was reported that Musk, though registered to vote, did not cast his ballot before the close of early voting on April 29.
Local Impact and Environmental Concerns
While Musk and SpaceX celebrate, local activists have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the new city. Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, has long criticized SpaceX’s operations. She warned that the expansion of SpaceX’s activities could lead to further environmental damage, including illegal dumping and wildlife disruption.
Hinojosa has voiced concerns about the potential harm to wildlife habitats and increased seismic activity due to the company’s rocket testing.
SpaceX’s Environmental Commitments
SpaceX has made efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of its operations. In a letter to local authorities, SpaceX general manager Kathryn Lueders assured that city status would not interfere with the company’s environmental protections. SpaceX has promised to continue addressing concerns raised by environmental groups, although critics remain skeptical.
The company has also faced scrutiny over its practices. Last year, both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas officials found that SpaceX was responsible for water pollution and hazardous material spills. Additionally, reports surfaced claiming that the company’s rockets had damaged bird nests in the area. Musk responded humorously on social media, promising to refrain from eating omelets for a week as a “penalty” for the damage.
Access to Boca Chica Beach
Another point of contention surrounding Starbase’s creation is public access to Boca Chica Beach. The beach, which has been a local landmark for generations, has limited access due to SpaceX’s operations. Critics, including Hinojosa, have raised concerns that granting Starbase city status could lead to further restrictions, potentially cutting off public access entirely.
The issue has caught the attention of local lawmakers as well. This week, a bill aimed at giving spaceport cities control over nearby beaches was rejected by a Texas House State Affairs committee. While the bill did not pass, it highlighted the ongoing tensions between SpaceX’s growth and the interests of local communities.
The Future of Starbase
Starbase is a key site for SpaceX’s ambitions to revolutionize space travel. It is from here that SpaceX conducts critical testing for its Starship rockets, which Musk hopes will eventually transport humans to Mars. As the city status is solidified, it is likely that the area will see further development, including infrastructure improvements and new businesses catering to SpaceX employees.
As Musk’s vision for Mars becomes a reality, Starbase will play an increasingly central role in SpaceX’s plans. The new city designation gives the company more control over its operations while allowing for faster decision-making and growth.
