A new city centered around the space exploration company SpaceX has been officially incorporated following a vote on May 3. The city known as Starbase is currently inhabited exclusively by people connected to SpaceX—predominantly employees.
Located in Cameron County in South Texas, near the Mexico border, tallied votes for incorporation reached an overwhelming majority—212 for versus six against. While residents have voiced their approval for the measure, the next steps needed to finalize Starbase as a full-fledged city will include canvassing by commissioners followed by a declaration of results by a judge.
Starbase is the headquarters for SpaceX, operating as the spaceport for the company’s launch and development efforts, including the production of boosters, engines and launching test rockets. While the reasons for incorporation haven’t been publicly detailed, some have speculated that founding an official city will provide SpaceX with greater municipal control regarding tests and launches in the area.
As part of Saturday’s election, three leadership positions were filled: Bobby Pedden for mayor, and both Jordan Buss and Jenna Petrzelka for city commissioner. Establishing public offices and certifying Starbase as an official city is the culmination of the company CEO’s vision for the area. Elon Musk first pitched the concept of incorporation in 2021.
Currently, SpaceX is working to gain permission to secure control of a nearby state highway, Boca Chica Beach and Boca Chica State Park. House Bill 4660 is currently in the Texas Legislature, and if passed would enable Starbase—and by extension SpaceX—to effectively close the state highway and revoke access to the beach and park in support of space flight activities.
Photo Courtesy Alexander Hatley via Wikimedia Commons
