"Dopest City Name": Elon Musk Launches Bid to Turn SpaceX 'Starbase' Into Texas City

Elon Musk, the visionary billionaire behind SpaceX, has initiated a formal bid to transform the company's South Texas Starship launch site, known colloquially as Starbase, into an officially incorporated city. Nestled in Boca Chica at the southern tip of the Rio Grande Valley, Musk envisions developing Starbase into a self-sustaining hub for rocket innovation and more.

This ambitious proposal comes as Musk earlier this year relocated the headquarters of SpaceX and his social media company, X (formerly Twitter), from California to Texas, citing a more business-friendly environment.

SpaceX HQ to Become Official City

"SpaceX HQ will now officially be in the city of Starbase, Texas!" Musk enthusiastically shared on X while posting a letter addressed to Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr., the top elected official in the county.

The letter penned by Kathryn Lueders, the general manager of Starbase, emphasized the need for community growth to support rapid development and manufacturing of the Starship. "To continue growing the workforce necessary to rapidly develop and manufacture Starship, we need the ability to grow Starbase as a community. That is why we are requesting that Cameron County call an election to enable the incorporation of Starbase as the newest city in the Rio Grande Valley," Lueders wrote.

The incorporation would facilitate the building of necessary amenities to make Starbase a world-class living and working environment for current and future employees.

SpaceX's Civil Contributions and Future Governance

SpaceX has already been managing several civil functions around Starbase due to its remote location, including roads, utilities, and providing schooling and medical care for residents. "Incorporation would move the management of some of these functions to a more appropriate public body," the letter further explained.

Celebratory Reactions and Local Concerns

The proposed city name has caught the attention of celebrities and politicians alike. Joe Rogan, host of the popular Joe Rogan Show, commented, "That's the dopest city name ever. By a large margin." Texas Governor Greg Abbott also expressed his support: "This is excellent. Starbase, Texas. The official HQ for @SpaceX. Proud to have you in Texas!"

However, the expansion has not been without its detractors. Earlier this year, a local group called Save RGV filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, accusing it of environmental violations and the pollution of nearby water bodies.

As SpaceX aims to expand further, the balance between innovation and local community and environmental concerns continues to be a key focus. The bid to incorporate Starbase will likely bring significant changes, not just in governance but also in how space exploration businesses integrate with local communities.