Starbase Officially Incorporated as SpaceX-Controlled City

Starbase, the new city in South Texas dominated by SpaceX, has been officially incorporated after residents voted 212 to 6 in favor, with most voters linked to SpaceX. Elon Musk celebrated the outcome, and the first local officials—mayor Bobby Peden and two city commissioners, all with SpaceX affiliations—were elected unopposed. The city, carved from the Boca Chica community near the U.S.-Mexico border, is key to SpaceX's plans for lunar and Mars missions under contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense. SpaceX is seeking regulatory approval to increase annual rocket launches from the site from five to 25. Local supporters praise the economic benefits, but critics, including environmental groups, raise concerns about increased corporate control, restricted beach access, and changes in local governance. Certification by county officials is pending, though the results are expected to stand.