Musk Got His Company Town—Starbase City Is Official

A rocket city is officially coming to an area near SpaceX’s Texas launch site after residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of establishing its own municipality, despite concerns about expanded control. Named Starbase, the new city includes 500 nearby residents and will feature a mayor, two commissioners, and its vice president as an official. However, local officials warn that the company’s influence could heighten regulatory hurdles and environmental risks for the area already disrupted by rocket launches and ongoing legal battles over permits and pollution.