Elon Musk's SpaceX is taking another step towards its Martian dreams by formally requesting the incorporation of its Texas launch site, currently known as Starbase, into an official city. This move aims to establish the location as the company's primary hub and the "gateway to Mars."

Starbase, situated in Cameron County in South Texas, already serves as the central point for SpaceX's rocket production, launches, and testing, including the groundbreaking "rocket catch" achievement. This location houses the Starship program, focused on developing a fully reusable rocket for manned missions to the moon and Mars.

SpaceX emphasizes that the official recognition of Starbase as a city is crucial for expanding its workforce and infrastructure to support the rapid development and production of Starship. In a letter to Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders stated that incorporating Starbase would streamline the process of developing the community and enable the Starship program to "fundamentally alter humanity’s access to space."

The incorporation process in Texas requires a county judge to call a special election. Lueders highlighted SpaceX's significant investments in infrastructure within Cameron County, generating substantial income and tax revenue for local businesses and the government. She emphasized the company's commitment to making South Texas the launchpad for Mars exploration.

Lueders described Starbase as a unique location for the development and testing of cutting-edge rockets and spacecraft, paving the way for humanity's return to the Moon and eventual journey to Mars. She expressed anticipation for its continued development into a world-class center for those dedicated to making life multiplanetary.