Elon Musk Moves to Create “Starbase” City in Texas

 

Elon Musk Moves to Create “Starbase” City in Texas

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is launching ambitious plan to create ‘Starbase’ city in Texas, igniting a new era of space-age communities.

Between space ships, saving the internet, and saving America, Musk is finding time to…create a whole new city. It’s wild.

At a Glance

  • SpaceX seeks to incorporate its South Texas launch site as ‘Starbase’ city
  • A formal request for an election to approve incorporation has been submitted
  • The site currently employs over 3,400 full-time workers and contractors
  • SpaceX plans to relocate its headquarters from California to Texas
  • Incorporation would give Musk significant influence over Starbase’s future

SpaceX’s Vision for a Space-Age City

SpaceX, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has formally requested an election to incorporate its South Texas Starship launch site as a city called ‘Starbase.’ This initiative, first mentioned by Musk in 2021, aims to transform the industrial base at Boca Chica Beach, near the Mexican border, into a thriving community tailored for the space age.

The proposed city of Starbase is not just a fanciful idea but a strategic move to support SpaceX’s ambitious goals. With over 3,400 full-time workers and contractors already employed at the site, the company sees incorporation as a necessary step to facilitate further growth and development. This move aligns with SpaceX’s larger plan to relocate its headquarters from California to Texas, signaling a significant shift in the company’s operations and focus.

The Path to Incorporation

The road to creating Starbase city is not without its challenges. A formal request for an election to approve the incorporation has been sent to Cameron County officials, accompanied by a petition from local residents. County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. stated that the legal and elections administration will review the petition to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements before proceeding.

“To continue growing the workforce necessary to rapidly develop and manufacture Starship, we need the ability to grow Starbase as a community. That is why we are requesting that Cameron County call an election to enable the incorporation of Starbase as the newest city in the Rio Grande Valley,” Starbase General Manager, Kathryn Lueders said.

While the prospect of a space-age city is exciting, SpaceX’s expansion plans have not been without opposition. The company faces a lawsuit from Save RGV, an environmental group alleging violations of the Texas Open Beaches Act and the Texas Constitution. SpaceX has dismissed these claims as “frivolous,” citing a state review that found no environmental risks. This legal challenge underscores the delicate balance between technological progress and environmental conservation that Starbase must navigate. 

The political implications of Starbase’s creation are also noteworthy. Musk’s recent endorsement of Donald Trump for president and his contributions to pro-Trump super PACs add another layer of complexity to the project. This political alignment, coupled with Musk’s move from California to Texas in 2020, reflects a broader trend of tech industry figures aligning with conservative politics and relocating to more business-friendly states. 

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