SpaceX is aiming for Mars, as Elon Musk’s aerospace manufacturer strives to propel humans toward becoming a multi-planetary civilization. Meanwhile, on our home planet, the individual at the helm of President Donald Trump’s administration is focusing on various initiatives.
Department of Government Efficiency
(DOGE) hopes his firm will get an opportunity to establish its own governance in Texas.
Starbase is where SpaceX conducts research, launches, and tests rockets, and it might soon be recognized as the latest municipality in the United States.
Nevertheless, this wouldn’t be an ordinary town anymore; it would transform into a corporate community predominantly inhabited by SpaceX employees.
It covers an area of less than two square miles and directly borders a Texas state nature reserve as well as Boca Chica Beach alongside the Gulf Coast.
FURTHER: SpaceX successfully sends first humans on a journey above Earth’s poles
In the previous year, SpaceX filed a petition with the state of Texas aiming to establish a new town. This proposed municipality would operate independently, capable of forming its own fire departments, emergency services, and potentially even establishing a school district.
Several hundred currently registered inhabitants, which includes Elon Musk himself, who is enrolled to vote at an address inside the suggested town boundary, are now casting votes to make it official — this former tiny, quiet coastal settlement on the edge of Brownsville, Texas, might soon become formally recognized as Starbase City.
Rene Medrano, who lives in Brownsville, has a house located 20 miles inland from the coastline. With fond memories of visiting Boca Chica Beach during his childhood and later taking his own family there, Medrano shared with ABC News that being connected to this place runs deep within him.
He explained, “It used to be known as the poor man’s beach since all you needed to do was hop into your car or truck, gather your neighbors, cousins, aunts, and uncles, and head out for some fun without having to shell out any money. To witness how things stand today… well, it’s quite dispiriting.”
SpaceX had
It was their initial Starship launch in April 2023.
After successfully departing from and vacating the launchpad, the vehicle lost control over its Super Heavy booster engines. Following this, the firm activated Starship’s flight termination system when the boosters did not detach as intended and began moving away from their designated path.
FURTHER: The SpaceX Dragon has safely landed in the water, bringing NASA astronauts back to Earth.
Medrano remembered though that over a decade back, the company started setting the stage for something far larger. In 2014, he recollected a SpaceX representative visiting his wife’s school to promote what they described as a “modest testing facility.” The same individual assured the local community at the time that public access to the beach would still be allowed.
He asked who could have thought they’d want to go to Mars a decade later,” he commented. “I mean, that wasn’t part of the plan. Right?
Since 2014, SpaceX has conducted eight launches from Boca Chica with mixed outcomes. Currently, the firm is seeking permission from the FAA to permit as many as 25 annual launches.
“Many tourists visit the island to witness the rocket launches, but they usually depart afterward,” Medrano stated. “We notice the
spaceship blowups
We observe the surroundings, as you understand, now scarred by numerous rocket launch activities in that region. The view of Boca Chica Beach remains unchanged—it’s like witnessing an unfamiliar location nowadays.”
Bekah Hinojsa, who heads a nearby environmental organization, stated to ABC News that SpaceX activities have interfered with daily routines in the region.
“She mentioned that the rocket launchings pose significant risks as they make our houses tremble. Additionally, SpaceX has faced accusations of unlawfully disposing contaminated water onto Boca Chica Beach and into local environments,” she stated. “Rental prices have also increased, which we believe is linked to SpaceX’s presence in the vicinity and their transformation of the region.”
Is the objective set by Trump and Musk for sending people to Mars achievable?
Should this region form its own municipality, SpaceX aims to gain authority over the adjacent beach and roadway leading to the spaceport. Legislation introduced in the Texas state legislature could grant Starbase the ability to restrict access to these beaches and roads during weekdays.
Texas State Representative Janie Lopez, who
authored a bill
In relation to Starbase, testified at an April 14 committee hearing that it will not deprive the public of access to Boca Chica Beach.
If the residents choose on May 3 to form their own town, they will select their governing board and make decisions about closings according to the requirements set by the FAA.
There is genuine worry among residents regarding the expenses associated with SpaceX’s ambitious projects — Medrano referred to Texas’ Open Beaches Act, which
guarantees free public access
to its sandy shores.
“Give us the beach… I mean, why is that so difficult?” he asked. “Head to Mars, do your stuff, grab your rockets and depart. However, allow us to pursue our own objectives as well.”
ABC News contacted SpaceX for their input, however, they have yet to receive a response.
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