Elon Musk has officially made headlines again! His SpaceX facilities in Texas have transformed from a patch of land into a fully fledged city named Starbase. After a recent vote saw 212 residents - mainly SpaceX employees - approving the move, Musk proudly announced on social media that "Starbase, Texas is now a real city!"
Covering about 1.6 square miles, Starbase was sparsely populated until SpaceX began purchasing land in 2012. Its new government will consist of a mayor and two commissioners tasked with managing local issues, including planning and taxation. The first mayor, Bobby Peden, is a SpaceX vice president, running unopposed alongside his fellow SpaceX-affiliated commissioners.
While the city is celebrated by many, others express concern regarding the local environment, especially with an increase in SpaceX launches, pushing the count up from five to 25 yearly. Environmental activists are worried about the impact on local wildlife and recent pollution.
In addition to potential city government issues, a new bill moving through Texas legislation could give Starbase the power to manage beach access, worsening tensions with nearby Cameron County officials, especially since road closures during rocket launches currently fall under their jurisdiction.
With Musk having relocated many of his businesses, including his company X, to Texas for favorable regulations, Starbase’s launch could reshape the local landscape amid ongoing discussions about environmental safety and community impact. Will Starbase thrive without compromising its surroundings? Keep an eye on this dynamic developing story!
Covering about 1.6 square miles, Starbase was sparsely populated until SpaceX began purchasing land in 2012. Its new government will consist of a mayor and two commissioners tasked with managing local issues, including planning and taxation. The first mayor, Bobby Peden, is a SpaceX vice president, running unopposed alongside his fellow SpaceX-affiliated commissioners.
While the city is celebrated by many, others express concern regarding the local environment, especially with an increase in SpaceX launches, pushing the count up from five to 25 yearly. Environmental activists are worried about the impact on local wildlife and recent pollution.
In addition to potential city government issues, a new bill moving through Texas legislation could give Starbase the power to manage beach access, worsening tensions with nearby Cameron County officials, especially since road closures during rocket launches currently fall under their jurisdiction.
With Musk having relocated many of his businesses, including his company X, to Texas for favorable regulations, Starbase’s launch could reshape the local landscape amid ongoing discussions about environmental safety and community impact. Will Starbase thrive without compromising its surroundings? Keep an eye on this dynamic developing story!
