According to the Financial Associated Press on December 13 (editor: Ma Lan), Elon Musk, a major figure in both the political and business circles in the USA, saw his net worth exceed $400 billion this week, reflecting his great success. As an important component of Musk's wealth, the Aviation company SpaceX is brewing a new major event.

On Thursday, SpaceX sent a letter to local officials in the USA requesting an election to transform its facility in Cameron County, Texas — Starbase — into a new registered city.

The base is located near the Mexican border and is where SpaceX manufactures and launches the Falcon rockets carrying large Starships. According to the company, this petition was jointly submitted by the residents of Starbase.

Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders stated that in order to cultivate the workforce needed for the rapid development and manufacturing of Starships, SpaceX needs to develop Starbase into a Community. This is why the company is requesting Cameron County to hold an election to make Starbase a new city.

In 2021, Musk had already considered this idea. At that time, he posted on Social Media that he would create the Starbase city in Texas. However, SpaceX did not take immediate action afterwards, and Thursday marked its first formal application.

Aviation small town

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. is the highest elected official in the county. He stated on Thursday that although the government discussed this issue with SpaceX in 2021, this is the company's first time formally submitting a petition. Local laws and election management departments will review the petition to determine whether it meets all statutory requirements before proceeding.

According to an impact report released by Treviño earlier this year, SpaceX has 3,400 full-time employees and contractors in the local area. Recently, SpaceX also added a large warehouse named Starfactory at the base, replacing many of the original production tents.

In addition, Musk plans to relocate SpaceX's headquarters from California to Texas, and the establishment of the Starbase city is likely part of the headquarters relocation plan.

SpaceX states that becoming a new city can help streamline the processes required to build necessary facilities and make the area a world-class place to live.

Earlier this year, an organization named "Save RGV" sued SpaceX, accusing it of violating environmental regulations and dumping sewage into nearby bays. SpaceX responded that the local government did not find any illegal activities after review, and the lawsuit holds no substantial significance.

Editor/lambor