SpaceX’s Texas rocket launch site has officially become a new city called Starbase.
The decision was made after a vote by residents on May 3,
2025, with 212 in favor and 6 opposed.
How It Happened
The area, located at the southern tip of Texas,
has been home to SpaceX’s launch site for some time.
Most of the 283 eligible voters are SpaceX employees.
The new city covers 3.9 square kilometers and has around 500 residents,
up from none before SpaceX started buying land in 2022.
Government and Concerns
The city will be run by a mayor and two commissioners.
Bobby Peden, SpaceX’s vice president, will be the first mayor.
The commissioners will be local civilians tied to SpaceX.
However, the city’s formation has raised concerns about Elon Musk’s growing private control.
A proposed law would give Starbase officials the power to shut down local roads
and limit access to Boca Chica beach and park during rocket launches.
The city’s creation has been years in the making.
A petition was filed in December 2024, paving the way for the vote.
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s owner and the world’s richest person,
celebrated the news on X, saying, “Starbase, Texas is now a real city.”
The BBC reported on the story, providing more context on the city’s formation.