Residents in Boca Chica, Texas, established Starbase, a 1.5-square-mile city with elected officials affiliated with SpaceX, after a vote where only six opposed the move. This incorporation is seen as a victory for Elon Musk, who has pursued city status since 2021. The governance structure raises concerns about SpaceX's influence, but the area's underdeveloped infrastructure may benefit from the initiative if the company thrives. Experts note that while the governance model involves local ties, it's still regulated by state and federal laws.
"It sounds like the city will be governed by a city commission comprising current and former SpaceX employees, who presumably answer to Musk," says Lily Roberts.
"If SpaceX succeeds in its mission, then it will be like the Port of Los Angeles, except the gateway to space," says Ajay Agrawal.
"They obviously can't legally create some kind of independent society," says Roberts. "They're still subject to state and federal laws."
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