Elon Musk’s SpaceX is seeking to turn its Starbase site in South Texas into an independent city, citing the need for community growth to support its growing workforce. The proposal, which was first floated in 2021, has now been submitted as a formal petition. If approved, the city would be home to over 3,400 full-time employees and contractors.
The Starbase site, located on the southern tip of Texas near Boca Chica Beach, is already a major hub for SpaceX’s Starship rocket development and launch operations. The company’s recent move of its headquarters from California to Texas has further expanded its presence in the region.
However, not everyone is welcoming the proposal. A local group called Save RGV has sued SpaceX over allegations of environmental violations and dumping polluted water into the nearby bay. Despite this, officials say they will review the petition to determine whether it meets statutory requirements.
The incorporation of Starbase would mark a significant shift for the area, which is currently part of Cameron County. The proposal’s future remains uncertain, but Musk’s vision for a growing community around his SpaceX operations has sparked interest among local residents and officials alike.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/spacex-city-starbase-texas-elon-musk-d251a58f32797fd04e4215a4570e782f