Elon Musk’s Starbase on its way to becoming a Texas city after lopsided early voting results
Share this @internewscast.com

Related video: Starlink Satellite Explainer

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket company in South Texas is progressing towards becoming an official city with the cosmic name of Starbase.

On Saturday, a vote to officially establish Starbase as a city received overwhelming support from a small group of residents, primarily SpaceX employees working for Musk.

Starbase serves as the launch and development site for the SpaceX rocket program, which has contracts with both the Department of Defense and NASA. The program aims to return astronauts to the moon and, in the future, Mars.

Musk first floated the idea of Starbase in 2021 and approval of the new city was all but certain. Of the 283 eligible voters in the area, most are believed to be Starbase workers.

The election victory was personal for Musk. The billionaire’s popularity has diminished since he became the chain-saw-wielding public face of President Donald Trump’s federal job and spending cuts, and profits at his Tesla car company have plummeted.

SpaceX has generally drawn widespread support from local officials for its jobs and investment in the area.

  • Elon Musk’s Starbase on its way to becoming a Texas city after lopsided early voting results

But the creation of an official company town has also drawn critics who worry it will expand Musk’s personal control over the area, with potential authority to close a popular beach and state park for launches.

Companion efforts to the city vote include bills in the state Legislature to shift that authority from the county to the new town’s mayor and city council.

All these measures come as SpaceX is asking federal authorities for permission to increase the number of South Texas launches from five to 25 a year.

The city at the southern tip of Texas near the Mexico border is only about 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers), crisscrossed by a few roads and dappled with airstream trailers and modest midcentury homes.

SpaceX officials have said little about exactly why they to want a company town and did not respond to emailed requests for comment.

“We need the ability to grow Starbase as a community,” Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders wrote to local officials in 2024 with the request to get the city issue on the ballot.

The letter said the company already manages roads and utilities, as well as “the provisions of schooling and medical care” for those living on the property.

SpaceX officials have told lawmakers that granting the city authority to close the beach would streamline launch operations. SpaceX rocket launches and engine tests, and even just moving certain equipment around the launch base requires the closure of a local highway and access to Boca Chica State Park and Boca Chica Beach.

Critics say beach closure authority should stay with the county government, which represents a broader population that uses the beach and park. Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. has said the county has worked well with SpaceX and there is no need for change.

Another proposed bill would make it a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days in jail if someone doesn’t comply with an order to evacuate the beach.

  • Final day of legislative session is here, but lawmakers have not passed a budget

The South Texas Environmental Justice Network, which has organized protests against the city vote and the beach access issue, held another demonstration Saturday that attracted dozens of people.

Josette Hinojosa, whose young daughter was building sandcastle nearby, said she was taking part to try to ensure continued access to a beach her family has enjoyed for generations.

With SpaceX, Hinojosa said, “Some days it’s closed, and some days you get turned away,”

Organizer Christopher Basaldú, a member of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas tribe, said his ancestors have long been in the area, where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf.

“It’s not just important,” he said, “it’s sacred.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Champaign-Urbana MTD Enlists Support to Advance Development

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Following nearly ten years of preparation, a project…

Why Costco and Sam’s Club Usually Offer Lower Gas Prices Compared to Other Stations

When your fuel gauge hovers close to empty, you might choose a…

Reward Increased to $20,000 in Search for Missing Indiana Teen Ja’Niyah McMichael

() The FBI and the city of Gary are offering a combined…

Guitarist from Metal Band Dies in California Police Standoff

(KRON) — A gunman killed in a standoff with South San Francisco…

Over 900 Measles Cases Confirmed in the US, with 10 States Facing Outbreaks: Key Information to Understand

Approximately 20% of U.S. states are experiencing active measles outbreaks, as the…

DA Describes Menendez Attorney’s Motion as a Desperate Attempt to Sidestep Facts

() Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman maintains his position that…

7-Year-Old Drives 10 Miles to McDonald’s with Younger Sister in the Car

OGDEN, Utah (KTVX) – A Utah mom woke up to the police…

47 Injured in Russian Drone Strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s Second-Largest City

KYIV – A Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, wounded…

O’Reilly: Trump’s First 100 Days Mark Unprecedented Presidential Activity

() In just 100 days, President Trump has launched a trade war,…

Dolton Mayor’s Roles Funded by Taxpayers Cost $347,000 Last Year: Report

DOLTON, Ill. (WGN) Tiffany Henyard will soon leave public office. The mayor…

Hy-Vee launches Caitlin Clark Crunch Time cereal to benefit youth foundation

Hy-Vee, Inc. revealed on Friday that it is joining forces once more…

Trump’s Tariffs Expected to Significantly Reduce Traffic at West Coast Ports

() The longer tariff disputes continue, the more likely it is that…