SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, just did some really big things this week. In recent months, they made the controversial decision to move their headquarters from El Segundo, California, to their launch facility in Starbase, Texas. This announcement coincided with a recent vote by residents of Starbase to incorporate as a city, a step that aims to enhance local governance and services.
Musk’s transition from California came after he expressed frustration with the state’s social policies and safety issues. He aired that frustration with PATH by stating, “I’m sick and tired of having to dodge swarms of angry drug crazed criminals just to get in and out of the building. It was California’s bold legislative actions that weighed most heavily on his decision. He cited a recent bill that bans schools from sharing information about students’ sexuality or gender identity without their permission as the “last straw” that led him to resign.
The controversial, rightwing billionaire is relocating the headquarters to a ninth-newer-money center. He’s reducing his work with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, now working with them “one or two days a week.” The changes reflect Musk’s shifting priorities as he focuses on expanding SpaceX’s operations in Texas.
SpaceX on Wednesday announced that it is currently targeting March 14 for its next test launch of the giant Starship rocket. This audacious undertaking aims to revolutionize the passenger experience and commercialize space travel. It opens the door to future colonization of Mars. The company has pursued an extreme rapid-fire, trial-and-error approach that has recently led to two fiery blasts during earlier test flights.
In addition to roads and utilities, SpaceX is responsible for establishing adequate local infrastructure including provisions for schooling and medical care around Starbase. With the recent city incorporation vote, there is an opportunity for SpaceX to shift authority from the county to the new city government. Revenue-sharing This change will provide much-needed flexibility to better manage local resources. It will translate into closing Boca Chica beach and the state park to rocket launches.
On Saturday, three current and former employees of SpaceX were elected to prominent positions in the fledgling city government. Newly elected Bobby Peden will take over as mayor, with Jordan Buss and Jenna Petrzelka joining the commission as new members. This unique local governance structure is intended to help foster the rapidly growing community being built around SpaceX’s operations.
“Becoming a city will help us continue building the best community possible for the men and women building the future of humanity’s place in space.” – StarbaseTX