Elon Musk's SpaceX is closing beach on Texas coastline and the company needs no government permission for this, as ...
Starbase , the SpaceX company town at the southern tip of Texas, has been granted authority over a stretch of Boca Chica Beach, marking a significant expansion of its control over the area surrounding the company’s rocket launch site. On September 25, Cameron County commissioners approved an agreement transferring oversight of beach access and dune protection along approximately two miles of coastline to Starbase, a move that underscores the growing influence of Elon Musk ’s space venture.
The decision follows a standing order from the Texas Space Commission , which last month empowered Starbase to manage closures of Boca Chica Beach and Texas State Highway 4 during SpaceX activities, including launches and testing of its massive Starship rocket. Previously, Cameron County officials, led by the county judge, held this authority, most recently approving closures for ground testing in September. The new order shifts that power to Starbase, allowing the city to make closure decisions to support “space flight activities and aeronautics economic development.”
SpaceX issues 'road closure' notice
Starbase exercised its new authority this week, issuing a notice this week for a “road closure” on October 9 to move a Starship rocket to its launch pad ahead of a planned test flight on Monday, October 13. The flight will mark the 11th test of Starship, SpaceX’s ambitious rocket designed for deep space missions. Once fully operational, SpaceX aims to launch Starship from Starbase up to 25 times annually.
Under the agreement with Cameron County, Starbase will enforce Texas’ Open Beaches Act, ensuring public access to the beach, while managing a beachfront construction and dune protection permitting program. The city will oversee construction in the area, establish protected dune zones, and install signs and barriers to prevent trespassing, all in compliance with state regulations.
The transfer of authority has raised questions about the balance between public access and the needs of SpaceX’s operations, as Starbase’s control over the beach and surrounding infrastructure grows. With October 13's SpaceX test flight approaching, all eyes are on Starbase as it navigates its new role in managing one of Texas’ coastal treasures.
The decision follows a standing order from the Texas Space Commission , which last month empowered Starbase to manage closures of Boca Chica Beach and Texas State Highway 4 during SpaceX activities, including launches and testing of its massive Starship rocket. Previously, Cameron County officials, led by the county judge, held this authority, most recently approving closures for ground testing in September. The new order shifts that power to Starbase, allowing the city to make closure decisions to support “space flight activities and aeronautics economic development.”
SpaceX issues 'road closure' notice
Starbase exercised its new authority this week, issuing a notice this week for a “road closure” on October 9 to move a Starship rocket to its launch pad ahead of a planned test flight on Monday, October 13. The flight will mark the 11th test of Starship, SpaceX’s ambitious rocket designed for deep space missions. Once fully operational, SpaceX aims to launch Starship from Starbase up to 25 times annually.
Under the agreement with Cameron County, Starbase will enforce Texas’ Open Beaches Act, ensuring public access to the beach, while managing a beachfront construction and dune protection permitting program. The city will oversee construction in the area, establish protected dune zones, and install signs and barriers to prevent trespassing, all in compliance with state regulations.
The transfer of authority has raised questions about the balance between public access and the needs of SpaceX’s operations, as Starbase’s control over the beach and surrounding infrastructure grows. With October 13's SpaceX test flight approaching, all eyes are on Starbase as it navigates its new role in managing one of Texas’ coastal treasures.
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