How Elon Musk’s SpaceX may take over a corner of the Texas coast

SpaceX, the rocket company founded by Elon Musk, is on a mission to reach Mars and make humanity a multi-planetary species. While SpaceX is focused on space exploration, there are developments closer to home that could have a significant impact on the local community in Texas.

Starbase, the SpaceX research, launch, and testing site located in Cameron County, Texas, is poised to become the newest town in America. A recent preliminary vote count showed overwhelming support from residents to incorporate the SpaceX launch site into its own city. This move would allow SpaceX to increase its annual number of launches from South Texas significantly.

If Starbase becomes its own municipality, it would be a unique town primarily populated by SpaceX employees. The town is less than two square miles in size and borders a Texas state nature preserve and Boca Chica Beach along the Gulf Shore.

The journey to establishing Starbase began over a decade ago when SpaceX proposed creating a new town in Texas. Residents, including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, are now voting on making Starbase City official. For some locals, like Brownsville resident Rene Medrano, the transformation of the area is bittersweet. SpaceX’s presence has brought significant changes to the once quiet beach community, raising concerns about access to Boca Chica Beach and the environmental impact of rocket launches.

While SpaceX has had some successful launches from Boca Chica, the company is seeking permits to increase the number of launches per year. However, this expansion has not been without controversy. Local environmental groups have raised concerns about the disruption caused by rocket launches and SpaceX’s impact on the ecosystem.

As SpaceX pushes forward with its ambitious plans, there are ongoing discussions about the future of Starbase and its control over the nearby beach and roads. Bills proposed in the Texas legislature could give Starbase the authority to close beaches and roads on weekdays, raising questions about public access to these areas.

Despite the potential benefits of SpaceX’s presence in the region, there are valid concerns about the cost of the company’s ambitions for local residents. The state’s Open Beaches Act guarantees free public access to the sandy shores, and residents like Medrano are advocating for their right to continue enjoying the beach.

As the debate continues, the future of Starbase and its impact on the local community remain uncertain. SpaceX’s plans for Mars may be groundbreaking, but the company’s activities on Earth are sparking important conversations about the balance between progress and preservation.