Elon Musk’s SpaceX will take more control of the Texas coast before the next Starship launch

Elon Musk’s newly opened space city has been handed control of a piece of Boca Chica Beach as it expands its influence over the people and environment living near SpaceX’s rocket launch site.

Cameron County in Texas approved an agreement to turn over portions of the beach to Starbase in late September, giving SpaceX the ability to close the beach at Boca Chica ahead of the 11th test launch of its spacecraft. Spacecraft Megarocket, currently scheduled for Monday. The move comes after SpaceX faced criticism for frequent rocket launches, which have become increasingly destructive to both the local community and surrounding wildlife.

Gizmodo asked SpaceX and Cameron County for comment.

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Musk The dream of turning Starbase into this special city It became a reality earlier this year when a majority of residents voted in favor of the company city. The city has an area of ​​about 1.6 square miles (4.1 km2) and is home to approximately 500 residents, most of whom are SpaceX employees and contractors.

SpaceX began purchasing land in the area in 2012, expanding its presence through housing and other amenities, and even announcing a Tentative plans to open a $15 million shopping center. Shortly after Starbase was established as its own city, it was established A note was sent to residents Regarding the new zoning ordinance and updated city map that may force them to give up their property.

Before Starbase was built, SpaceX had been campaigning for the ability to shut down Beaches and public roads In Boca Chica for rocket launches, ground tests or other related activities during the week. The county’s recent agreement with Starbase gives the company’s city authority to close the beach, a decision that previously fell under Cameron County’s authority.

The spacecraft is condensing

With Starbase’s newfound power, the company may decide to close the beach to support the development of its Starship rocket. Starship is scheduled to take off on its 11th test flight on Monday, October 13. Once Starship is fully operational, SpaceX aims to launch its giant rocket from Starbase up to 25 times a year.

Local environmental groups in Boca Chica have expressed concern that the spacecraft’s increased launch cadence will have an impact Negative impact on local wildlife and surrounding habitats. SpaceX also faces fines of about $150,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency Allegedly Illegally dumping pollutants into a Texas waterway without a permit.