Welcome to Starbase: Texas has a new city home to Elon Musk's SpaceX
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Elon Musk's Starbase Becomes Official City in Texas
Above: The SpaceX Starship sits on the launch pad before its sixth flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on Nov. 17, 2024. Image copyright: Chandan Khanna/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Becoming a city will help build the best community possible for the people, creating humanity's future in space. SpaceX already manages roads, utilities, schooling, and medical care for residents, and city status streamlines operations for a company with critical Department of Defense and NASA contracts. The incorporation will bring about economic benefits to the entire Rio Grande Valley.
Narrative B
This corporate takeover gives Elon Musk unprecedented control over public resources. For generations, residents have visited Boca Chica beach for fishing, swimming, and recreation, and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe has spiritual ties to the beach that should remain accessible to everyone. Local officials are allowing the company to increase environmentally destructive activities.