SpaceX Starbase#Orbital Launch Pad B

Private discussions between SpaceX and state officials about a private launch site began at least as early as 2011.{{cite news |title=Texas tries to woo SpaceX on launches |url=http://www.dailynews.com/business/20140212/texas-tries-to-woo-spacex-on-launches |access-date=February 14, 2014 |newspaper=Daily News |date=February 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223031718/http://www.dailynews.com/business/20140212/texas-tries-to-woo-spacex-on-launches |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |url-status=live }} SpaceX CEO Elon Musk mentioned interest in a private launch site for their commercial launches in a September 2011 speech.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrVD3tcVWTY |title=National Press Club: The Future of Human Spaceflight |date=September 29, 2011 |medium=video |language=en-us |publisher=National Press Club |time=32:30 |access-date=March 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515010423/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrVD3tcVWTY |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |url-status=live |people=Mark Hamrick, Elon Musk |work=NPC video repository}}

In 2012, Fredrick (Rick) Jenet, director of the Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy (CARA) and an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Texas at Brownsville, proposed to install the STARGATE in Boca Chica (initial funding included {{USD|500,000}} in seed money provided by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation in October 2012) as part of a package to increase the likelihood of attracting SpaceX to build a launch site in the area.{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2014 |title=STARGATE to launch UTRGV as leader in space exploration research {{!}} The University of Texas System |url=https://www.utsystem.edu/news/2014/09/22/stargate-launch-utrgv-leader-space-exploration-research |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923152235/https://www.utsystem.edu/news/2014/09/22/stargate-launch-utrgv-leader-space-exploration-research |archive-date=September 23, 2014 |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=www.utsystem.edu |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Druzin |first1=Rye |date=January 20, 2017 |title=SpaceX leads space exploration renaissance, and jobs, in South Texas |url=https://www.expressnews.com/business/local/article/SpaceX-leads-space-exploration-renaissance-and-10872954.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705055911/https://www.expressnews.com/business/local/article/SpaceX-leads-space-exploration-renaissance-and-108729 |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=February 23, 2024 |newspaper=San Antonio Express-News}}{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2024 |title=UTRGV Officials Unveil New STARGATE Technology Center near SpaceX Site |url=https://www.krgv.com/videos/utrgv-officials-unveil-new-stargate-technology-center-near-spacex-site/ |access-date=February 23, 2024 |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223075212/https://www.krgv.com/videos/utrgv-officials-unveil-new-stargate-technology-center-near-spacex-site/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}

{{cite news |last1=Armendariz|first1=Jacqueline |title=UT System proposes research partnership with SpaceX in Brownsville |url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/article_c3fd447a-24ad-11e3-8c0e-0019bb30f31a.html |accessdate=October 7, 2014 |work=The Monitor |date=September 23, 2013 }}{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2019 |title=Brownsville's Growing Role In The Modern Space Race |url=https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/brownsvilles-growing-role-in-the-modern-space-race/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716135153/https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/brownsvilles-growing-role-in-the-modern-space-race/ |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Texas Standard |language=en-US}} The goal was also to have students and the faculty to be hands-on and assist with launches and space exploration, which was viewed as a rare opportunity.

The company announced in August 2014 that they had chosen Texas as the location for their SpaceX South Texas launch site. Site soil work began in 2015 and major construction of facilities began in late-2018, with rocket engine testing and flight testing beginning in 2019.

The name Starbase began to be used more widely by SpaceX and news media after March 2021, when SpaceX had some discussions described as a "casual enquiry" about incorporating a city in Texas to be called Starbase.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2021/03/03/elon-musk-tries-change-name-texas-town-tweet-prompting-row/ |title=Elon Musk tries to change name of Texas town with a tweet |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=March 3, 2021 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428135122/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2021/03/03/elon-musk-tries-change-name-texas-town-tweet-prompting-row/ |url-status=live }}{{cite tweet |number=1366848696298561536 |user=elonmusk |title=Creating the city of Starbase, Texas |date=March 2, 2021}} Separate from the putative city, by early 2022, the Starbase moniker for the SpaceX facilities in South Texas had become common.{{cite news |title=Musk outlines Starship progress towards self-sustaining Mars city |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/02/starships-self-sustaining-city-mars/ |work=NASASpaceFlight |last1=Mooney |first1=Justin |last2=Bergin |first2=Chris |date=February 11, 2022 |access-date=February 12, 2022 |archive-date=March 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040749/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/02/starships-self-sustaining-city-mars/ |url-status=live }} The SpaceX site has also been called the "Gateway to Mars", including in a now removed sign outside the launch site.{{cite web |url= https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/assets/media/Starbase%20Overview.pdf |title= The Gateway to Mars |publisher= SpaceX |access-date= December 7, 2023 |archive-date= April 4, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230404085552/https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/assets/media/Starbase%20Overview.pdf |url-status= live }}{{cite web |author=Hart |first=Matthew |date=December 9, 2021 |title=SpaceX Previews Its 'Gateway to Mars' Texas Launch Site |url=https://nerdist.com/article/spacex-texas-launch-site-gateway-to-mars-starbase/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180739/https://nerdist.com/article/spacex-texas-launch-site-gateway-to-mars-starbase/ |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |publisher=Nerdist}}{{cite web |author=Cantu |first=Aurora |date=December 6, 2023 |title=Gateway to Mars sign in Boca Chica |url=https://www.923theranch.com/post/gateway-to-mars-sign-in-boca-chica |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207182300/https://www.923theranch.com/post/gateway-to-mars-sign-in-boca-chica |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |publisher=92.3 MHz FM – The Ranch}}{{cite news |author=Killelea |first=Eric |date=July 4, 2022 |title='It's not going to be as sexy': Boca Chica looks toward a SpaceX future less lofty than it'd hoped |url=https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/Boca-Chica-SpaceX-Starbase-17282337.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180826/https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/Boca-Chica-SpaceX-Starbase-17282337.php |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |newspaper=San Antonio Express-News |publisher=Hearst Newspapers}}

Starbase is also used sometimes to describe the region of the Boca Chica subdelta peninsula surrounding the SpaceX facilities; see {{section link|Boca Chica (Texas)|Plans for a new city}}. In January 2024, Cameron County and Brownsville officials both passed resolutions requesting the federal government to recognize "Starbase" as an official place name for the area.{{Cite news |last=Lingle |first=Brandon |date=January 22, 2024 |title=SpaceX's effort to incorporate its Boca Chica facilities as Starbase, Texas, is gaining momentum |url=https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/spacex-starbase-renaming-bocachica-elonmusk-18617322.php |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=San Antonio Express-News |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127024247/https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/spacex-starbase-renaming-bocachica-elonmusk-18617322.php |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Guzmán |first=Andrea |date=January 24, 2024 |title=Elon Musk took over a Texas town. Now he wants to name it. |url=https://www.chron.com/culture/article/spacex-starbase-texas-18623240.php |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=Chron |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127024247/https://www.chron.com/culture/article/spacex-starbase-texas-18623240.php |url-status=live }}

As early as April 2007, at least five potential locations were publicly known, including "sites in Alaska, California, Florida,{{cite news |last=Dean |first=James |title=Proposed Shiloh launch complex at KSC debated in Volusia |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130404/SPACE/130404009/Proposed-Shiloh-launch-complex-KSC-debated-Volusia |access-date=6 April 2013 |newspaper=Florida Today |date=3 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413145534/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130404/SPACE/130404009/Proposed-Shiloh-launch-complex-KSC-debated-Volusia |archive-date=13 April 2014 |url-status=live }} Texas and Virginia."{{cite news |title=Details Emerge on SpaceX's Proposed Texas Launch Site |newspaper=Space News |date=April 16, 2012 |page=24 |quote=SpaceX is considering multiple potential locations around the country for a new commercial launch pad. ... The Brownsville area is one of the possibilities.}} In September 2012, it became clear that Georgia and Puerto Rico were also interested in pursuing the new SpaceX commercial spaceport facility.{{cite news |last=Perez-Treviño |first=Emma |title=Sanchez: Texas offering $6M, Florida giving $10M |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/involved-144875-thursday-offering.html |access-date=September 16, 2012 |newspaper=Brownsville Herald |date=September 13, 2012}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The Camden County, Georgia, Joint Development Authority voted unanimously in November 2012 to "explore developing an aerospaceport facility" at an Atlantic coastal site to support both horizontal and vertical launch operations.{{cite news |last=Dickson |first=Terry |title=Camden County wants to open Georgia's first spaceport |url=http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2012-11-16/story/camden-county-wants-open-georgias-first-spaceport |access-date=November 11, 2017 |newspaper=The Florida Times-Union |date=November 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111095237/http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2012-11-16/story/camden-county-wants-open-georgias-first-spaceport |archive-date=November 11, 2017 |url-status=live }} The main Puerto Rico site under consideration was the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station.{{rp|87}} By September 2012, SpaceX was considering seven potential locations around the United States for the new commercial launch pad. Since then, the leading candidate location for the new facility was a parcel of land adjacent to Boca Chica Beach near Brownsville, Texas.{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Texas is planning to make a huge public investment in space |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/02/texas-is-planning-to-make-a-huge-public-investment-in-space/ |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502201458/https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/02/texas-is-planning-to-make-a-huge-public-investment-in-space/ |url-status=live }}

By early 2013, Texas remained the leading candidate for the location of the new SpaceX commercial launch facility, although Florida, Georgia, and other locations remained in the running. Legislation was introduced in Texas to enable temporary closure of state beaches during launches, limit liability for noise and other commercial spaceflight risks, as well as considering a package of incentives to encourage SpaceX to locate at Brownsville, Texas.{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |title=The great state space race |url=http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2271/1 |access-date=April 3, 2013 |newspaper=The Space Review |date=April 1, 2013 |quote=In the best-case scenario, he said, SpaceX would start construction of the spaceport next year, and the first launches from the new facility would take place in two to three years. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205035113/http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2271/1 |archive-date=February 5, 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Aaron M. |title=Brownsville leading SpaceX sweepstakes? |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Brownsville-leading-SpaceX-sweepstakes-4489358.php |access-date=May 6, 2013 |newspaper=MySanAntonio.com |date=May 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506111011/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Brownsville-leading-SpaceX-sweepstakes-4489358.php |archive-date=May 6, 2013 |url-status=live }} 2013 economic estimates showed SpaceX investing approximately {{USD|100 million}} in the development and construction of the facility. A {{USD|15 million|link=yes}} incentive package was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2013.

In April 2012, the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation initiated a Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement{{cite web|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2012-08556.pdf|title=FAA Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729094611/https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2012-08556.pdf|archive-date=July 29, 2014|publisher=Federal Aviation Administration|date=April 3, 2012|access-date=April 8, 2012}} and public hearings on the new launch site, which would be located in Cameron County, Texas. The summary then indicated that the Texas site would support up to 12 commercial launches per year, including two Falcon Heavy launches.{{cite web|title=SpaceX Proposes New Texas Launch Site|url=http://www.citizensinspace.org/2012/04/spacex-proposes-new-texas-launch-site/|website=Citizens in Space|date=April 9, 2012 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509135731/http://www.citizensinspace.org/2012/04/spacex-proposes-new-texas-launch-site/|archive-date=May 9, 2013}}{{cite news |last=Martinez |first=Laura |title=Brownsville area candidate for spaceport |url=http://www.themonitor.com/articles/space-60007-brownsville-south.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414180555/http://www.themonitor.com/articles/space-60007-brownsville-south.html |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2012 |newspaper=The Monitor |date=April 10, 2012}} The first public meeting was held in May 2012,{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=May 25, 2012 |title=Texas reaches out to land spaceport deal with SpaceX |url=http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Texas-reaches-out-to-land-spaceport-deal-with-3586606.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528174011/http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Texas-reaches-out-to-land-spaceport-deal-with-3586606.php |archive-date=May 28, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |location=Houston, Texas}} and the FAA released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the location in South Texas in April 2013. Public hearings on the draft EIS occurred in Brownsville, followed by a public comment period ending in June 2013.{{cite news |last=Perez-Treviño |first=Emma |title=SpaceX buys more land here |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_bb493438-da1b-11e2-89c7-001a4bcf6878.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628021950/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_bb493438-da1b-11e2-89c7-001a4bcf6878.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |access-date=June 25, 2013 |newspaper=Valley Morning Star |date=June 20, 2013 }} The draft EIS identified three parcels of land—a total of {{convert|12.4|acre}}—that would notionally be used for the control center. In addition, SpaceX had leased {{convert|56.6|acre}} of land adjacent to the terminus of Texas State Highway 4, {{convert|20|acre}} of which would be used to develop the vertical launch area; the remainder would remain open space surrounding the launch facility. In July 2014, the FAA officially issued its Record of Decision concerning the Boca Chica Beach facility, and found that "the proposal by Elon Musk's Space Exploration Technologies would have no significant impact on the environment," approving the proposal and outlining SpaceX's proposal.{{cite news |last1=Perez-Treviño |first1=Emma |title=FAA approves SpaceX application to launch rockets from Cameron County beach |url=http://www.themonitor.com/breaking/faa-approves-spacex-application-to-launch-rockets-from-cameron-county/article_88068faa-078b-11e4-bbba-0017a43b2370.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140709214058/http://www.themonitor.com/breaking/faa-approves-spacex-application-to-launch-rockets-from-cameron-county/article_88068faa-078b-11e4-bbba-0017a43b2370.html |archive-date=July 9, 2014 |access-date=July 16, 2014 |newspaper=The Monitor |date=July 9, 2014 }} The company formally announced selection of the Texas location in August 2014.

In September 2013, the State of Texas General Land Office (GLO) and Cameron County signed an agreement outlining how beach closures would be handled in order to support a future SpaceX launch schedule. The agreement is intended to enable both economic development in Cameron County and protect the public's right to have access to Texas state beaches. Under the 2013 Texas plan, beach closures would be allowed but were not expected to exceed a maximum of 15 hours per closure date, with no more than three scheduled space flights between the Saturday prior to Memorial Day and Labor Day, unless the Texas GLO approves.{{cite news |last=Martinez |first=Laura B. |date=September 19, 2013 |title=SpaceX beach closure rules set |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_dab09ac8-20d4-11e3-975b-0019bb30f31a.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140622182406/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_dab09ac8-20d4-11e3-975b-0019bb30f31a.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 22, 2014 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |newspaper=Brownsville Herald |location=Brownsville, Texas}}

In 2019, the FAA completed a reevaluation of the SpaceX facilities in South Texas, and in particular the revised plans away from a commercial spaceport to more of a spaceship yard for building and testing rockets at the facility, as well as flying different rockets—SpaceX Starship and prototype test vehicles—from the site than the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy envisioned in the original 2014 environmental assessment.{{cite news |last=Mosher |first=Dave |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starship-rocket-site-boca-chica-texas-faa-written-reevaluation-2019-8 |title=New documents reveal SpaceX's plans for launching Mars-rocket prototypes from South Texas |work=Business Insider |date=September 5, 2019 |access-date=September 6, 2019 |quote=The new assessment covers SpaceX's shift away from developing a commercial spaceport and confronts its new reality as a skunkworks for Starship. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905235450/https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starship-rocket-site-boca-chica-texas-faa-written-reevaluation-2019-8 |archive-date=September 5, 2019 |url-status=live}} In May and August 2019, the FAA issued a written report with a decision that a new supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would not be required.{{cite web |url=https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6382910/FAA-final-Written-Reevaluation-SpaceX-Texas.pdf |title=Written re-evaluation of the 2014 final environmental impact statement for the Spacex Texas launch site |date=May 21, 2019 |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration |access-date=September 6, 2019 |quote=the FAA has concluded that the issuance of launch licenses and/or experimental permits to SpaceX to conduct Starship tests (wet dress rehearsals, static engine fires, small hops, and medium hops) conforms to the prior environmental documentation, that the data contained in the 2014 EIS remain substantially valid, that there are no significant environmental changes, and that all pertinent conditions and requirements of the prior approval have been met or will be met in the current action. Therefore, the preparation of a supplemental or new environmental document is not necessary. |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514232033/https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6382910/FAA-final-Written-Reevaluation-SpaceX-Texas.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6382912/Addendum-August-22-2019-to-FAA-final-Written.pdf |title=Addendum to the 2019 written re-evaluation for Spacex's reusable launch vehicle experimental test program at the Spacex launch site |date=August 21, 2019 |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration |access-date=September 6, 2019 |quote=The proposed experimental test program has progressed to the extent that further operational details can be provided and considered within the context of the 2014 Final Environmental Impact Statement for the SpaceX Texas Launch Site (2014 ElS). This addendum re-evaluates the potential environmental consequences of the updated operational details within the context of the 2014 ElS. |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514232034/https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6382912/Addendum-August-22-2019-to-FAA-final-Written.pdf |url-status=live}} In May 2021, the FAA issued a written FAQ regarding the FAA's Environmental Review of SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy Operations at the Boca Chica Launch Site.[https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/spacex_starship/faqs/ Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the FAA's Environmental Review of SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy Operations at the Boca Chica Launch Site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514232050/https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/spacex_starship/faqs/ |date=May 14, 2021 }}, Federal Aviation Administration, accessed May 14, 2021.

Throughout 2022, Starship's first integrated flight test was delayed extensively, due to delays in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issuing a license, to allow findings on environmental impact. On June 13, 2022, the FAA announced that Starbase was not creating a significant impact on the environment, yet listed more than 75 actions to be taken before review for an orbital launch license. Some of these actions included a $5,000 contribution to wildlife nonprofits in the area, making sure roadways stay open on certain days of the year, and actions to protect local sea turtle populations.{{Cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |date=June 13, 2022 |title=FAA requires SpaceX to make environmental adjustments to move forward with its Starship program in Texas |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/13/faa-spacex-starship-environmental-review-clears-texas-program-to-move-forward.html |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614015601/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/13/faa-spacex-starship-environmental-review-clears-texas-program-to-move-forward.html |url-status=live }}

Prior to a final decision on the location of the spaceport, SpaceX began purchasing a number of real estate properties in Cameron County, Texas, beginning in June 2012. By July 2014, SpaceX had purchased approximately {{convert|41|acre|m2}} and leased {{convert|57|acre|m2}} near Boca Chica Village and Boca Chica Beach{{cite news |last1=Perez-Treviño |first1=Emma |title=SpaceX buys land |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_ff0093c6-e3b9-11e3-8179-0017a43b2370.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140527174359/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_ff0093c6-e3b9-11e3-8179-0017a43b2370.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 27, 2014 |access-date=July 16, 2014 |work=Valley Morning Star |date=May 24, 2014 }} through a company named Dogleg Park LLC, a reference to the "dogleg" type of trajectory that rockets launched from Boca Chica will be required to follow.{{cite news |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_6f177afc-07b1-11e3-a736-0019bb30f31a.html |title=Cameron County closes two streets for SpaceX |work=Brownsville Herald |first=Emma |last=Perez-Treviño |date=August 19, 2013 |access-date=October 17, 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Prior to May 2013, five lots in the Spanish Dagger Subdivision in Boca Chica Village, adjacent to Highway 4 which leads to the proposed launch site, had been purchased. In May 2013, SpaceX purchased an additional three parcels, adding another {{convert|1|acre|m2}}, plus four more lots with a total of {{convert|1.9|acre|m2}} in July 2013, making a total of 12 SpaceX-purchased lots.{{cite news |last=Perez-Treviño |first=Emma |title=SpaceX buys more land |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_b70d8de2-0621-11e3-9a42-0019bb30f31a.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130817165955/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_b70d8de2-0621-11e3-9a42-0019bb30f31a.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 17, 2013 |access-date=August 17, 2013 |newspaper=Valley Morning Star |date=August 15, 2013 }} In November 2013, SpaceX substantially "increased its land holdings in the Boca Chica Beach area from 12 lots to 72 undeveloped lots" purchased, which encompass a total of approximately {{convert|24|acre|m2}}, in addition to the {{convert|56.5|acre|m2}} leased from private property owners.{{cite news |last=Perez-Treviño |first=Emma |title=SpaceX buys more land in Cameron County |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_7140ee56-54c0-11e3-9d38-0019bb30f31a.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131127051336/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_7140ee56-54c0-11e3-9d38-0019bb30f31a.html |archive-date=November 27, 2013 |access-date=November 27, 2013 |newspaper=Valley Morning Star |date=November 23, 2013 }} An additional few acres were purchased late in 2013, raising the SpaceX total "from 72 undeveloped lots to 80 lots totaling about 26 acres."{{cite news |last=Perez-Treviño |first=Emma |title=SpaceX buys more Cameron County land |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_ffec0d10-7753-11e3-852c-0019bb30f31a.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140107175132/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_ffec0d10-7753-11e3-852c-0019bb30f31a.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 7, 2014 |access-date=January 7, 2014 |newspaper=Brownsville Herald |date=January 6, 2014 }} In late 2013, SpaceX completed a replat of 13 lots totaling {{convert|8.3|acre|m2}} into a subdivision that they have named "Mars Crossing."

In February 2014, they purchased 28 additional lots that surround the proposed complex at Boca Chica Beach, raising the SpaceX-owned land to approximately {{convert|36|acre|m2}} in addition to the {{convert|56|acre|m2|adj=on}} lease.{{cite news |last=Perez-Treviño |first=Emma |title=SpaceX continues local land purchases |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_1e325e0c-9917-11e3-944b-001a4bcf6878.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140220154528/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_1e325e0c-9917-11e3-944b-001a4bcf6878.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 20, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2014 |newspaper=Valley Morning Star |date=February 19, 2014 }} SpaceX's investments in Cameron County continued in March 2014, with the purchase of more tracts of land, bringing the total number of lots it owned to 90. Public records showed that the total land area that SpaceX then owned through Dogleg Park LLC was roughly {{convert|37|acre|m2}}. This is in addition to {{convert|56.5|acre|m2}} that SpaceX then had under lease.{{cite news|title=SpaceX still buying land|url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_9af504f6-b0ac-11e3-aaf1-001a4bcf6878.html|work=Valley Morning Star}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} By September 2014, Dogleg Park completed a replat of lots totaling {{convert|49.3|acre|m2}} into a second subdivision, this one named "Launch Site Texas", made up of several parcels of property previously purchased. This is the site of the launch site itself while the launch control facility is planned two miles west in the Mars Crossing subdivision. Dogleg Park had also continued purchasing land in Boca Chica, and by September 2014 owned a total of "87 lots equaling more than 100 acres".{{cite news|last1=Perez-Treviño|first1=Emma|title=SpaceX makes more moves|url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_c1ae2e84-452f-11e4-b0a5-001a4bcf6878.html|access-date=September 27, 2014|work=Valley Morning Star|date=September 25, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140927152259/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_c1ae2e84-452f-11e4-b0a5-001a4bcf6878.html|archive-date=September 27, 2014|url-status=live}}

SpaceX has also bought and is modifying several residential properties in Boca Chica Village, but apparently planning to leave them in residential use, about {{convert|2|mi|km|sp=us}} west of the launch site.{{cite news |title=The New Residents: Renovation planned for house linked to SpaceX |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_1a1b2c44-2fef-11e4-aa5d-0017a43b2370.html |access-date=August 30, 2014 |work=Valley Morning Star|date=August 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224153849/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_1a1b2c44-2fef-11e4-aa5d-0017a43b2370.html |archive-date=December 24, 2015 |url-status=live }}

In September 2019, SpaceX extended an offer to buy each of the houses in Boca Chica Village for three times the fair market value along with an offer of VIP invitations to future launch events. The 3x offer was said to be "non-negotiable." Homeowners were given two weeks for this particular offer to remain valid.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-moves-to-boca-chica-tiny-texas-town/ |title=SpaceX launch pad transforms tiny Texas neighborhood: "Where the hell do I go now?" |work=CBS News |date=September 18, 2019 |access-date=September 19, 2019 |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920134245/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-moves-to-boca-chica-tiny-texas-town/ |url-status=live }}

In January 2024, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced a proposal to transfer 43 acres of Boca Chica State Park lands to SpaceX, in exchange for 477 new acres to be added to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.{{Cite web |last=Reagan |first=Mark |date=January 17, 2024 |title=TPWD to consider land swap with SpaceX at Boca Chica |url=https://myrgv.com/local-news/2024/01/17/tpwd-to-consider-land-swap-with-spacex-at-boca-chica/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=MyRGV.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/spacex-requests-43-acres-of-boca-chica-state-park-from-texas/ |title=SpaceX requests 43 acres of Boca Chica State Park from Texas |date=January 17, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118034956/https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/spacex-requests-43-acres-of-boca-chica-state-park-from-texas/ |url-status=live }}

Major site construction at SpaceX's launch site in Boca Chica got underway in 2016, with site soil preparation for the launch pad in a process said to take two years, with significant additional soil work and significant construction beginning in late 2018. By September 2019, the site had been "transformed into an operational launch site – outfitted with the ground support equipment needed to support test flights of the methane-fueled Starship vehicles."{{cite news |last=Baylor |first=Michael |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/09/elon-musks-starship-presentation-12-months-progress/ |title=Elon Musk's upcoming Starship presentation to mark 12 months of rapid progress |work=NASASpaceflight |date=September 21, 2019 |access-date=September 22, 2019 |quote=at SpaceX’s launch site in Boca Chica, there was not much more than a mound of dirt [in September 2018 but one year later] the mound of dirt has been transformed into an operational launch site – outfitted with the ground support equipment needed to support test flights of the methane-fueled Starship vehicles. |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621073626/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/09/elon-musks-starship-presentation-12-months-progress/ |url-status=live }} Lighter construction of fencing and temporary buildings in the control center area had begun in 2014.{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Steve |title=SpaceX vendor fairs slated |url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/spacex-vendor-fairs-slated/article_0067e490-ab41-11e4-8595-1f12f9c4a5c5.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150204142429/http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/spacex-vendor-fairs-slated/article_0067e490-ab41-11e4-8595-1f12f9c4a5c5.html |archive-date=February 4, 2015 |access-date=February 4, 2015 |work=The Monitor |date=February 4, 2015 }}

The Texas launch location was projected in the 2013 draft EIS to include a {{convert|20|acre|m2}} vertical launch area and a {{convert|12.2|acre|m2}} area for a launch control center and a launch pad directly adjacent to the eastern terminus of Texas State Highway 4. Changes occurred based on actual land SpaceX was able to purchase and replat for the control center and primary spaceship build yard.

SpaceX broke ground on the new launch site in September 2014,{{cite news |title=SpaceX breaks ground at Boca Chica beach |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_0249176a-4274-11e4-bab4-0017a43b2370.html |work=Brownsville Herald |date=September 22, 2014 |access-date=September 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612143556/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_0249176a-4274-11e4-bab4-0017a43b2370.html |archive-date=June 12, 2017 |url-status=live }} but indicated then that the principal work to build the facility was not expected to ramp up until late 2015 after the SpaceX launch site development team completed work on Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad 39A, as the same team was expected to manage the work to build the Boca Chica facility. Advance preparation work was expected to commence ahead of that. {{as of|2014}}, SpaceX anticipated spending approximately {{USD|100 million}} over three to four years to build the Texas facility, while the Texas state government expected to spend {{USD|15 million}} to extend utilities and infrastructure to support the new spaceport.{{cite news |last1=Foust |first1=Jeff |title=SpaceX Breaks Ground on Texas Spaceport |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41957spacex-breaks-ground-on-texas-spaceport |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140922222618/http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41957spacex-breaks-ground-on-texas-spaceport |archive-date=September 22, 2014 |work=SpaceNews |date=September 22, 2014 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |quote=Under that development schedule, Musk said, the first launch from the Texas site could take place as soon as late 2016.}}

The design phase for the facility was completed by March 2015.{{cite news |last1=Perez-Treviño |first1=Emma |title=SpaceX prepping for construction |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_71cd85c0-cab5-11e4-817a-c3b9c142f45a.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150316031424/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_71cd85c0-cab5-11e4-817a-c3b9c142f45a.html |archive-date=March 16, 2015 |access-date=March 16, 2015 |work=Valley Morning Star |date=March 14, 2015 }} In the event, construction was delayed by the destruction of one of SpaceX two Florida launch facilities in a September 2016 rocket explosion, which tied up the launch site design/build team for over a year.

In order to stabilize the waterlogged ground at the coastal site, SpaceX engineers determined that a process known as soil surcharging would be required. For this to happen, some {{convert|310000|yd3}} of new soil was trucked to the facility between October 2015 and January 2016.{{cite news |last1=Perez-Treviño |first1=Emma |title=Soil headed to Boca Chica for SpaceX |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/article_394ec4e2-785d-11e5-b676-1baf3e1b66c1.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161214061559/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/article_394ec4e2-785d-11e5-b676-1baf3e1b66c1.html |archive-date=December 14, 2016 |access-date=October 24, 2015 |work=Valley Morning Star |date=October 22, 2015 }} In January 2016, following additional soil testing that revealed foundation problems, SpaceX indicated they were not planning to complete construction until 2017, and the first launch from Boca Chica was not expected until late 2018.{{cite news |url=http://www.krgv.com/story/30994915/foundation-problems-delay-spacex-launch |title=Foundation Problems Delay SpaceX Launch |work=KRGV.com/5news |location=Rio Grande Valley, Texas |date=January 18, 2016 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |quote=SpaceX’s first launch was set for 2017. The company said the launch site won’t be complete until 2017. They anticipate their first launch in 2018. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318130257/http://www.krgv.com/story/30994915/foundation-problems-delay-spacex-launch |archive-date=March 18, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Huertas |first=Tiffany |url=http://valleycentral.com/news/local/spacex-working-to-stabilize-land-at-rocket-launch-site |title=SpaceX working to stabilize land at rocket launch site |work=CBS4 ValleyCentral.com |date=February 11, 2016 |access-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213093006/http://valleycentral.com/news/local/spacex-working-to-stabilize-land-at-rocket-launch-site |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/09/06/spacex-may-turn-to-other-launch-pads-when-rocket-flights-resume/ |title=SpaceX may turn to other launch pads when rocket flights resume |work=Spaceflight Now |first=Stephen |last=Clark |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=September 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909005948/https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/09/06/spacex-may-turn-to-other-launch-pads-when-rocket-flights-resume/ |archive-date=September 9, 2016 |url-status=live }} In February 2016, SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell stated that construction had been delayed by poor soil stability at the site, and that "two years of dirt work" would be required before SpaceX could build the launch facility, with construction costs expected to be higher than previously estimated.{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/ |title=SpaceX seeks to accelerate Falcon 9 production and launch rates this year |work=SpaceNews |date=February 4, 2014 |access-date=February 6, 2016 |archive-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160209152801/http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/ |url-status=live }} The first phase of the soil stabilization process was completed by May 2016.{{cite news |url=http://valleycentral.com/news/local/spacex-construction-causing-problems-for-surrounding-residents |title=SpaceX construction causing problems for surrounding residents |work=ValleyCentral.com{{\}}KGBT-TV |first=Tiffany |last=Huertas |date=May 18, 2016 |access-date=June 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614030549/http://valleycentral.com/news/local/spacex-construction-causing-problems-for-surrounding-residents |archive-date=June 14, 2016 |url-status=live }}

File:SpaceX Starbase ground tracking station in Boca Chica, Texas.jpg antennas installed at the control center]]

Two {{convert|30|ft|m|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} S-band tracking station antennas were installed at the site in 2016–2017. They were formerly used to track the Space Shuttle during launch and landing{{cite news |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/premium/article_d8b149a2-61b3-11e6-bfa1-8b38c37d8d4c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202110453/https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/premium/article_d8b149a2-61b3-11e6-bfa1-8b38c37d8d4c.html |archive-date=December 2, 2019 |title=SpaceX moving two giant antennas to Boca Chica |work=Brownsville Herald |first=Steve |last=Clark |date=August 13, 2016 }}{{cite web |last=Pearlman |first=Robert Z. |title=NASA Closes Historic Antenna Station That Tracked Every Space Shuttle Launch |url=https://www.space.com/12511-nasa-space-shuttle-tracking-station-closes.html |website=Space.com News |access-date=January 19, 2018 |date=August 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235255/https://www.space.com/12511-nasa-space-shuttle-tracking-station-closes.html |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |url-status=live }} and made operational as tracking resources for crewed Dragon missions in 2018.

A SpaceX-owned {{convert|6.5|acre|m2|adj=on}} photovoltaic power station was installed on site to provide off-grid electrical power near the control center,{{cite news |last1=Perez-Treviño |first1=Emma |title=SpaceX, BEDC request building permits |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/premium/article_f3fcd664-179a-11e4-b966-001a4bcf6878.html |access-date=July 30, 2014 |work=Brownsville Herald|date=July 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113010352/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/premium/article_f3fcd664-179a-11e4-b966-001a4bcf6878.html |archive-date=January 13, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Perez-Treviño |first1=Emma |title=Solar project planned for SpaceX |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_a3cdf116-1dec-11e4-b4f5-001a4bcf6878.html |access-date=September 1, 2015 |work=Valley Morning Star |date=August 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124142957/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_a3cdf116-1dec-11e4-b4f5-001a4bcf6878.html |archive-date=January 24, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Swanner |first1=Nate |title=SpaceX launch facility goes green, will have solar panel field |url=http://www.slashgear.com/spacex-launch-facility-goes-green-will-have-solar-panel-field-07340269/ |access-date=March 18, 2015 |work=Slash Gear |date=August 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154231/http://www.slashgear.com/spacex-launch-facility-goes-green-will-have-solar-panel-field-07340269/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=live }} The solar farm was installed by SolarCity in January 2018.

Progress on building the pad had slowed considerably through 2017, much slower than either SpaceX or Texas state officials had expected when it was announced in 2014. Support for SpaceX, however, remained fairly strong amongst Texas public officials.{{cite web |author=Sechler |first=Bob |date=November 22, 2017 |title=Progress slow at SpaceX's planned spaceport |url=http://www.wsbtv.com/news/trending-now/progress-slow-at-spacexs-planned-spaceport/652351184# |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063658/http://www.wsbtv.com/news/trending-now/progress-slow-at-spacexs-planned-spaceport/652351184 |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2018 |website=WSB-TV 2}} In January 2018, COO Shotwell said the pad might be used for "early vehicle testing" by late 2018 or early 2019 but that additional work would be required after that to make it into a full launch site.{{cite news |last=Rumbaugh |first=Andrea |title=Aerospace talent in Texas lauded |work=Houston Chronicle |date=January 11, 2018 |quote=SpaceX has a rocket engine testing facility in McGregor and is building a launch site in Boca Chica, said Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX. The latter project, she said, will be ready late this year or early next year for early vehicle testing. SpaceX will then continue working toward making it a launch site.}} SpaceX achieved this new target, with prototype rocket and rocket engine ground testing at Boca Chica starting in March 2019, and suborbital flight tests starting in July 2019.

In late 2018 construction ramped up, and the site saw the development of a large propellant tank farm including a 95,000 gallon horizontal liquid oxygen tank{{Cite tweet |user=BrownsvilleNews |number=1017163103891546112 |title=A 95,000 gallon @SpaceX liquid oxygen tank is hauled through Brownsville Wednesday to its final destination at the @SpaceX launch site on Boca Chica Beach. Photos by Miguel Roberts #RGV}} and 80,000 gallon liquid methane tank,{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/202a0272d6e24a2f8e6292fd89e96bcf|title=Work picks up in South Texas for SpaceX launch projects|first=Steve|last=Clark|website=Associated Press|date=November 8, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514232043/https://apnews.com/article/202a0272d6e24a2f8e6292fd89e96bcf|url-status=live}} a gas flare, more offices, and a small flat square launch pad. The Starhopper prototype was relocated to the pad in March 2019, and first flew in late July 2019.{{cite news |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/07/spacex-resume-starhopper-tests/ |title=Starhopper successfully conducts debut Boca Chica Hop |work=NasaSpaceflight.com |first=Thomas |last=Burghardt |date=July 25, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726081430/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/07/spacex-resume-starhopper-tests/ |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |url-status=live }}

By September 2019, the facility had been transformed into a new phase of an industrial rocket build facility, with workers working multiple shifts and more than five days a week, able to support large rocket ground and flight testing. In November 2019 the SpaceX South Texas Launch Site crew was working on a new launch pad for its Starship/Super Heavy rocket; the former launch site has been transformed to an assembly site for the Starship rocket.

On March 7, 2021, it was revealed by Michael Baylor on Twitter that the SpaceX South Texas Launch Site may eventually expand to the south. The expansion could see the addition of two suborbital test stands along with one orbital launch pad named Orbital Launch Mount B. The expansion could also include a new landing pad, an expansion to the existing tank farm, a new tank farm situated next to the proposed Orbital Launch Mount B, expanded Suborbital Pad B decking and two integration towers situated to under-construction Orbital Launch Mount A and the proposed Orbital Launch Mount B.{{Cite tweet |number=1368353119269224448 |user=nextspaceflight|last=Baylor|first=Michael |title=Here is the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site construction plan. |date=March 7, 2021|language=en-US|access-date=March 11, 2021|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307001002/https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1368353119269224448|url-status=live}}

In March 2021, SpaceX received a "Determination of no hazard to air navigation" from the FAA for the {{cvt|479|ft|disp=flip|adj=on}} launch tower that SpaceX was building that to support orbital launches.{{cite web |title=Aeronautical Study No. 2021-ASW-4185-OE : DETERMINATION OF NO HAZARD TO AIR NAVIGATION |url=https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/letterViewer.jsp?letterID=474845306 |website=faa.gov |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration |date=March 18, 2021 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514232043/https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/WebBlobServlet |url-status=live }} The period of construction shown on the FAA documents was April–July 2021 but the expiration date on the regulatory approval was September 18, 2021.{{cite web |title=Form 7460-1 for ASN 2021-ASW-4185-OE : obstruction evaluation |url=https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/searchAction.jsp?action=displayOECase&oeCaseID=474570805&row=115 |website=faa.gov |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration |date=March 18, 2021 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408192729/https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/searchAction.jsp?action=displayOECase&oeCaseID=474570805&row=115 |url-status=live }}

The launch tower was fully stacked by late July 2021, when a crane lifted the ninth and final large steel section to the top of the tower at the orbital launch site (OLS). The tower is designed to have a set of large arms attached which is used to stack both Super Heavy and the Starship second stage on the adjacent launch mount and, eventually, catch the rocket on return to the launch site. There is no separate large crane attached to the top of the tower.{{cite news |title=Starbase Surge sees SpaceX speed ahead with Booster 4 and Ship 20 |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/08/starbase-surge-booster-4-ship-20/ |last=Bergin |first=Chris |work=NASASpaceflight |date=August 2, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802194841/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/08/starbase-surge-booster-4-ship-20/ |url-status=live }} The launch mount ("Stage Zero") began construction in July 2020, when the rebar of the deep foundation began to rise above the ground. Soon six large steel circular launch supports were erected{{cite news |title=Boca work continues as SpaceX marks anniversary of Starhopper's final flight |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/08/starbase-surge-booster-4-ship-20/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/08/boca-work-starhopper-anniversary/ |last1=Navin|first1=Joseph |last2=Kanayama|first2=Lee |work=NASASpaceflight |date=August 27, 2020 |access-date=August 2, 2021 }} which would eventually support the massive weight of the launch table some ten months later. The mount was built to full height on July 31, 2021, with the rollout and craning into place of the {{cvt|370|t|kg lb}} launch table, which had been custom built at the manufacturing site over the preceding months.

Musk has commented that Stage Zero would be all that is necessary to both launch and catch the rocket, and that building it is at least as difficult as the booster or ship. {{as of|2021|08|02|df=US}}, launch mount and launch tower plumbing, electrical, and ground support equipment connections were yet to be completed. Soon after tests for Starships were paused, production started to ramp up for the first orbital test flight. SpaceX workers started building GSE tanks, cryogenic shells, Starship SN20, and Super Heavy Booster 4. As SN20 was completed, and Booster 4 and SN20 were rolled out to the launch site for a full stack. On August 6, 2021, SN20 was stacked on top of Booster 4 for fit checks and compatibility testing with the tower. SpaceX workers soon took SN20 and Booster 4 back to the production site.{{cite web |date=September 8, 2021 |title=Super Heavy Booster 4 Lifted to Orbital Launch Mount |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS9MTbrelHM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430170704/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS9MTbrelHM |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=November 19, 2021 |publisher=YouTube}}

On April 20, 2023, Starbase hosted the first launch of the fully stacked Ship 24/Booster 7. The launch ended in an uncontrolled spin due to ignited propellant leaks in the engine control systems, and the rocket's flight termination system destroyed the vehicle four minutes after launch at 39 km (24 miles) altitude, without reaching the planned suborbital trajectory.{{Cite web |title=FAA grounds SpaceX's Starship rockets after explosion minutes into launch |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/20/spacex-starship-explode-elon-musk-00093042 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=Politico |date=April 20, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430052930/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/20/spacex-starship-explode-elon-musk-00093042 |url-status=live }} Prior to the launch, Musk had said that if the rocket were to get "far enough away from the launchpad before something goes wrong, then I think I would consider that to be a success."{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Christian |date=April 20, 2023 |title=SpaceX's Starship lifts off successfully, but explodes in first flight |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/04/20/spacex-starship-explosion-launch/ |access-date=October 20, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}

File:SpaceX_Starhopper.jpg]]

Starbase is SpaceX's fourth active launch facility, and its first private facility. {{As of|2019}}, SpaceX leased three US government-owned launch sites: Vandenberg SLC 4 in California, and Cape Canaveral SLC-40 and Kennedy Space Center LC39A both in Florida.

The launch site is in Cameron County, Texas, approximately {{convert|17|mi}} east of Brownsville, with launch flyover range over the Gulf of Mexico.{{cite report |last=Nield|first=George C. |title=Draft Environmental Impact Statement: SpaceX Texas Launch Site|chapter=Volume I, Executive Summary and Chapters 1–14|id=HQ-0092-K2 |date=April 2014 |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration|collaboration=Office of Commercial Space Transportation |chapter-url= http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/nepa_docs/review/documents_progress/spacex_texas_launch_site_environmental_impact_statement/media/SpaceX_Texas_Launch_Site_Draft_EIS_V1.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131207085028/http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/nepa_docs/review/documents_progress/spacex_texas_launch_site_environmental_impact_statement/media/SpaceX_Texas_Launch_Site_Draft_EIS_V1.pdf |archive-date=December 7, 2013}} The launch site is planned to be optimized for commercial activity, as well as used to fly spacecraft on interplanetary trajectories.{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Steve |title=SpaceX chief: Commercial launch sites necessary step to Mars |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_64d9cb06-46b9-11e4-bc34-0017a43b2370.html |access-date=September 30, 2014 |work=Brownsville Herald |date=September 27, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170518232018/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_64d9cb06-46b9-11e4-bc34-0017a43b2370.html |archive-date=May 18, 2017 |url-status=live}}

Launches on orbital trajectories from Brownsville will have a constrained flight path, due to the Caribbean Islands as well as the large number of oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX has stated that they have a good flight path available for the launching of satellites on trajectories toward the commercially valuable geosynchronous orbit.{{cite AV media |url=http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3 |title=Broadcast 2212: Special Edition, interview with Gwynne Shotwell |date=March 21, 2014 |medium=audio file |language=en-us |publisher=The Space Show |time=03:00–04:05 |access-date=March 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322013556/http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3 |archive-date=March 22, 2014 |format=mp3 |id=2212 |quote=we are threading the needle a bit, both with the islands as well as the oil rigs, but it is still a good flight path to get commercial satellites to GEO. |people=Gwynne Shotwell}}

Although SpaceX initial plans for the Boca Chica launch site were to loft robotic spacecraft to geosynchronous orbits, Elon Musk indicated in September 2014 that "the first person to go to another planet could launch from [the Boca Chica launch site]",{{cite news |last1=Solomon |first1=Dan |title=SpaceX Plans To Send People From Brownsville To Mars in Order To Save Mankind |url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/daily-post/spacex-plans-send-people-brownsville-mars-order-save-mankind |access-date=September 24, 2014 |work=TexasMonthly |date=September 23, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140928180145/http://www.texasmonthly.com/daily-post/spacex-plans-send-people-brownsville-mars-order-save-mankind |archive-date=September 28, 2014 |url-status=live }} but did not indicate which launch vehicle might be used for those launches. In May 2018, Musk clarified that the South Texas launch site would be used exclusively for Starship.{{cite web |url=https://gist.github.com/theinternetftw/5ba82bd5f4099934fa0556b9d09c123e |title=Block 5 Phone Presser |publisher=GitHubGist |first1=James |last1=Gleeson |first2=Elon |last2=Musk |display-authors=etal |date=May 10, 2018 |quote=Our South Texas launch site will be dedicated to BFR, because we get enough capacity with two launch complexes at Cape Canaveral and one at Vandenberg to handle all of the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions. |access-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180806105201/https://gist.github.com/theinternetftw/5ba82bd5f4099934fa0556b9d09c123e |archive-date=August 6, 2018 |url-status=live}}

By March 2019, two test articles of Starship were being built, and three by May.{{cite web |last=Baylor |first=Michael |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/05/spacex-ssto-starship-launches-pad-39a/ |title=SpaceX considering SSTO Starship launches from Pad 39A |work=NASASpaceFlight |date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=May 18, 2019 |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190518053754/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/05/spacex-ssto-starship-launches-pad-39a/ |url-status=live }} The low-altitude, low-velocity Starship test flight rocket was used for initial integrated testing of the Raptor rocket engine with a flight-capable propellant structure, and was slated to also test the newly designed autogenous pressurization system that is replacing traditional helium tank pressurization as well as initial launch and landing algorithms for the much larger {{convert|9|m|ftin|adj=mid|-diameter}} rocket.{{cite web |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/04/starhopper-first-flight-starship-superheavy-updates/ |title=Starhopper conducts Raptor Static Fire tests |work=NASASpaceFlight |date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190404103545/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/04/starhopper-first-flight-starship-superheavy-updates/ |url-status=live }} SpaceX developed their reusable booster technology for the 3-meter-diameter Falcon 9 from 2012 to 2018. The Starhopper prototype was also the platform for the first flight tests of the full-flow staged combustion methalox Raptor engine, where the hopper vehicle was flight tested with a single engine in July/August 2019,{{cite web |last=Burghardt |first=Thomas |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/07/spacex-resume-starhopper-tests/ |title=Starhopper successfully conducts debut Boca Chica Hop |work=NASASpaceFlight |date=July 25, 2019 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190726081430/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/07/spacex-resume-starhopper-tests/ |url-status=live }} but could be fitted with up to three engines to facilitate engine-out tolerance testing.

The launch site has been the main production and testing site of the Starship/Super Heavy system. All Starship vehicles have been constructed here except the Mk2 prototype, which was built in Florida but never completed, and eventually scrapped.{{Cite tweet|title=Going, going, almost gone. Progress continues on MK2 today in Cocoa, FL. A flatbed truck entered the facility presumably to haul away more scrap. As of this morning both nosecone sections remain on site. |number=1285924792273711106 |user=julia_bergeron|access-date=August 3, 2020|website=Twitter|language=en|archive-date=July 22, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200722154152/https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1285924792273711106 |url-status=live}}

By March 2020, SpaceX had doubled the number of employees onsite for Starship manufacturing, test and operations since January, with over 500 employees working at the site. The employees work in four 12-hour shifts distributed throughout the day, with 4 days on, then 3 off for a given week, followed by 3 days on and 4 off for the next—to enable continuous Starship manufacturing with workers and equipment specialized to each task of serial Starship production.{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/03/inside-elon-musks-plan-to-build-one-starship-a-week-and-settle-mars/ |title=Inside Elon Musk's plan to build one Starship a week—and settle Mars |work=Ars Technica |date=March 5, 2020 |access-date=March 5, 2020 |archive-date=March 5, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200305204228/https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/03/inside-elon-musks-plan-to-build-one-starship-a-week-and-settle-mars/ |url-status=live }} A 1 MW solar farm and a 3.8 MWh battery supplies some of the electricity.{{cite web |title=Tesla supplying Power Pack for SpaceX Starbase 8MWh BESS expansion |url=https://www.energy-storage.news/tesla-supplying-power-pack-for-spacex-starbase-8mwh-bess-expansion/ |website=Energy Storage News |date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505132709/https://www.energy-storage.news/tesla-supplying-power-pack-for-spacex-starbase-8mwh-bess-expansion/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2022, during a first test firing of all six engines of the Starship prototype, scattered hot debris ignited a SpaceX dumpster, and caused a bushfire in the nearby Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area, an environmentally sensitive area, ultimately destroying 68 acres before the fire could be doused.{{Cite web |title=Fire at SpaceX launch site burns 68 acres at protected refuge killing wildlife |url=https://news.yahoo.com/fire-spacex-launch-burns-68-152700388.html |access-date=September 16, 2022 |website=news.yahoo.com |date=September 11, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914100447/https://news.yahoo.com/fire-spacex-launch-burns-68-152700388.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2022 |title=SpaceX Starship Prototype Belches Superhot Debris, Causes Literal Dumpster Fire |url=https://gizmodo.com/spacex-starship-static-fire-test-brush-fires-1849517615 |access-date=September 16, 2022 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-us |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916095340/https://gizmodo.com/spacex-starship-static-fire-test-brush-fires-1849517615 |url-status=live }}

In May 2023, a few weeks after retiring from NASA, ex-head of human spaceflight Kathy Lueders joined SpaceX to oversee operations at Starbase to "give government customers comfort and confidence that Starship is going to be a *real thing* around which they can base future plans and operations."{{Cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |title=SpaceX hires former NASA human spaceflight official Kathy Lueders to help with Starship |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/15/elon-musks-spacex-hires-former-nasa-official-kathy-lueders.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=CNBC |date=May 15, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515161846/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/15/elon-musks-spacex-hires-former-nasa-official-kathy-lueders.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main |List of Starship launches}}

On April 20, 2023, the first Starship Integrated Flight Test was carried out from Starbase, resulting in immense damage to the launch mount.{{cite news |last=Davenport |first=Christian |date=April 21, 2023 |title=SpaceX didn't want to blow up its launchpad. It may have done just that. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/04/21/spacex-starship-launch-debris-shrapnel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421225305/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/04/21/spacex-starship-launch-debris-shrapnel/ |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=April 24, 2023 |newspaper=Washington Post |quote=}} On November 11, 2023, SpaceX announced that they were targeting November 17, 2023 for their next Starship launch date.{{Cite tweet|user=SpaceX |number=1723158118706839819|date=November 11, 2023|title=Starship preparing to launch as early as November 17, pending final regulatory approval → http://spacex.com/launches.}} They conducted the second integrated flight test on the 18th, but it resulted in the implosion of the Super Heavy booster due to oxygen line clogs leading to engine failures, while excessive oxygen venting forced the Starship upper stage to trigger its self-destruct. The launch infrastructure was deemed to be in good shape afterward.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

On March 14, 2024, the third integrated flight test launched, ending in the Super Heavy booster crashing into the Gulf of Mexico, and the Starship upper stage disintegrating upon atmospheric re-entry. The launch infrastructure again performed well, and SpaceX had noted their propellant filling processes were faster by about 20 minutes.{{cite web |title=Starship's Third Flight Test |url=https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306183144/https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-3 |archive-date=March 6, 2024 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=SpaceX}}

On October 13, 2024, the fifth flight test of Starship featured the first catch of a vehicle.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC87WmFN_As |title=SpaceX Launches Starship Flight 5 (and Catches A Booster) |date=October 13, 2024 |access-date=October 23, 2024 |via=YouTube |work=NASASpaceflight}} This was followed by an aborted catch during flight 6 due to damage to the launch tower,{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2024 |title=Starship's Sixth Flight Test |url=https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-6 |access-date=November 19, 2024 |website=SpaceX}} and a successful catch during flight 7.{{Cite news |last=Wattles |first=Jackie |date=January 16, 2025 |title=SpaceX executes second-ever 'chopsticks' booster catch but Starship spacecraft is lost |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/16/science/spacex-starship-megarocket-test-launch/index.html |access-date=January 16, 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}

{{Update|section|date=May 2024}}

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"title": "Launch site"}},

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The three main areas shown on the map represent (from left to right) the Massey's test site, the production site and the launch site.

File:BocaChicaLaunchSiteFaaGov2024.jpgThe launch site is where final testing operations and orbital launching of the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy boosters occur.File:Tank farm at starbase.jpg launch vehicle and the integration tower are also visible in the background.]]

The launch site has two launch pads, Orbital Launch Mount Pad A (OLP-A) and B (OLP-B),{{Cite web |date=June 2022 |title=Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy Launch Vehicle Program at the SpaceX Boca Chica Launch Site in Cameron County, Texas |url=https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-06/PEA_for_SpaceX_Starship_Super_Heavy_at_Boca_Chica_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614081928/https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-06/PEA_for_SpaceX_Starship_Super_Heavy_at_Boca_Chica_FINAL.pdf |archive-date=14 June 2022 |access-date=14 June 2022 |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration and SpaceX}}{{rp||pages=34}} each equipped with an orbital launch mount (OLM), an integration tower (nicknamed "Mechazilla" by SpaceX{{cite tweet|user=SpaceX|number=1845442658397049011|title=Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster!}}) and other support structures.

The OLM is the structure that provides support the Super Heavy booster when it is on the launch pad. The OLM has twenty clamps to hold the booster in place before liftoff and a quick disconnect providing liquid fuel and electricity. Just below the OLM is a massive steel plate that uses water as a flame deflector.{{cite web |last=Kolodny |first=Lora |date=July 28, 2023 |title=SpaceX hasn't obtained environmental permits for 'flame deflector' system it's testing in Texas |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/28/spacex-is-testing-a-flame-deflector-for-starship-without-permits.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007041738/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/28/spacex-is-testing-a-flame-deflector-for-starship-without-permits.html |archive-date=October 7, 2023 |access-date=July 29, 2023 |website=CNBC}} The water is supplied by a nearby water deluge tank farm that uses compressed gas to propel water onto the steel plate under the orbital launch mount.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqVLP3DKOk4 |title=How SpaceX Will Guarantee Its Launch Pad Never Fails Again! [Part 2] |access-date=October 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023155229/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqVLP3DKOk4 |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}File:SpaceX Starbase integration tower quick disconnect arm.jpg The integration tower is a type of service structure that serves multiple roles in facilitating the assembly, launch and reuse of Starship launch vehicles. Prior to launch, its "chopstick" arms are used to stack the Super Heavy booster onto the OLM and the Starship upper stage onto the Super Heavy booster. Immediately before launch, the "Ship Quick-Disconnect Arm" tower provides fuel and electrical connections to the Starship upper stage. After launch, the tower's role transitions to recovery operations. Its arms, previously used for assembly, are now utilized to capture the returning Super Heavy booster, a process initially demonstrated during Starship flight test 5. This design reduces the rocket's mass and mechanical complexity by removing the need for landing legs, as well as enabling more rapid reuse by placing the rocket directly back on the OLP.{{Cite web |date=29 March 2023 |title=Starbase Overview |url=https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/assets/media/Starbase%20Overview.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404085552/https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/assets/media/Starbase%20Overview.pdf |archive-date=4 April 2023 |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=SpaceX}}{{Rp|page=2}}

The tower is constructed of dark gray steel truss sections and equipped with a lightning rod and small weather station on top.{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=16 April 2021 |title=Rocket Report: SpaceX to build huge launch tower, Branson sells Virgin stock |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/04/rocket-report-spacex-to-build-huge-launch-tower-branson-sells-virgin-stock/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111095512/https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/04/rocket-report-spacex-to-build-huge-launch-tower-branson-sells-virgin-stock/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |access-date=11 January 2022 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}} The "chopstick" arms are attached to a carriage and controlled by a pulley at the top of the tower. The pulley is linked to a winch and spool at the base of the tower using a cable. Using the winch and the carriage, the mechanical arms can move vertically, with support from bearings attached at the sides of the carriage. A linear hydraulic actuator moves the arms horizontally. Tracks are mounted on top of the arms, which are used to position the booster or spacecraft.

Construction of a second launch tower began in May 2024,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yvx23o8rnY |title=Unveiling SpaceX's Bold Starship Expansion: Full Breakdown! |access-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127215703/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yvx23o8rnY |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}} near the former location of the suborbital launch site.{{Cite tweet |number=1788946748808859858 |user=nasaspaceflight |last=Bergin |first=Chris |date=May 10, 2024 |title=Just a few days after Ship 30 - still in view |access-date=May 10, 2024}} The first tower sections arrived on May 14, 2024.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxlfRaZSaLg |title=SpaceX Starbase Orbital Launch Tower 2 Section Move from Port of Brownsville 4K |language=en |access-date=May 15, 2024 |via=www.youtube.com}} Foundation work for the second tower was spotted on May 25, and concrete pouring began in June. Structure installation began in mid-June,{{Cite web |last=McCrea |first=Aaron |date=June 19, 2024 |title=Second Starbase Tower rises as SpaceX gears up to Flight Five |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/06/starbase-upgrades-06-19-24/ |access-date=June 23, 2024 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}} with the tower's stacking being completed on August 21.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPufJIUw1RY |title=SpaceX Stacks the Final Tower Module for the Second Starbase Launch Tower |date=2024-08-21 |last=NASASpaceflight |access-date=2024-09-04 |via=YouTube}} On January 27, 2025, the "chopstick," Launch Tower Arms were lifted and installed onto Integrated Tower B.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b2tnbsrfqY |title=SpaceX is Installing the Chopsticks to Second Starbase Starship Launch Tower |date=2025-01-27 |last=NASASpaceflight |access-date=2025-01-30 |via=YouTube}} These arms boast a new shorter design, something that SpaceX has tested by catching both B12 and B14 closer to the tower on OLP-A, demonstrating that longer arms are not necessary.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rskaOP1LB_E |title=And Then There Were Two (Towers with Chopsticks) {{!}} SpaceX Boca Chica |date=2025-01-30 |last=NASASpaceflight |access-date=2025-01-31 |via=YouTube}} It is anticipated that the Launch Tower Arms on OLP-A will be replaced by the shorter design sometime after OLP-B is operational.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} Currently only OLP-B is capable of a Starship catch due to the launch tower arms having a smaller lip on the landing rails.{{Cite AV Media |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/02/starbase-progress-second-launch-pad/ |title=Starbase making progress on second launch pad |date=2025-02-07 |last=NASASpaceflight |access-date=2025-02-13}} On February 6 2025, teams worked to install the reeving cable onto the tower, which aids the installation of the main cable used to move the Chopsticks vertically on the tower.

SpaceX have also been working on Pad B's OLM, with a significant portion of the main structure complete. Pad B's OLM also features improvements over that of Pad A, most notably the inclusion of a water-cooled steel plate on the upper most level to protect the OLM each launch, as well as the addition of a flame diverter system seen previously being used at both the Masseys and Mcgregor's vertical test stands. This system uses many steel pipes to create a flame bucket that reduces sound levels and protects infrastructure. Pad B's Flame Trench has also reached a critical milestone, with the trench having been dug down to the floor level. Once the trench is complete, the flame diverters will be installed and then finally the OLM will be positioned and installed as well.

The launch site also includes a tank farm that stores methane, liquid oxygen, water, nitrogen, helium and hydraulic fluid.{{rp||page=161}} Subcoolers near the tank farm cool propellant using liquid nitrogen; and various pipes are installed at large facilities. Both launch pads are supplied by this shared tank farm.

File:Bays + ships.jpg

The production site, also known as the build site, is where all Starship and Super Heavy prototypes are built and assembled.{{Cite AV media |title=Starbase 101: A Tour of the SpaceX Starship Rocket Production and Launch Facilities 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHi4FSDHB7Q |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=YouTube |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625175642/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=XHi4FSDHB7Q |url-status=live }} Peak production at Starfactory is planned to be one Ship per day.{{Cite web |author1=Garofalo |first=Meredith |date=June 8, 2024 |title=SpaceX wants to build 1 Starship megarocket a day with new Starfactory |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-one-a-day-starfactory |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Space.com |language=en}}

The production site also houses three bays which are responsible for assembling the final vehicles.{{Cite AV media |title=How Does SpaceX Build Starships at Starbase? From Steel to Starship. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k-7QvQY7MA |access-date=June 23, 2023 |via=YouTube |archive-date=June 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623155504/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k-7QvQY7MA&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }} The High Bay is where Starship second stages are stacked, while the Mega Bay 2 is where some of them undergo final preparations. Super Heavy boosters, on the other hand, are both built and outfitted with their engines in Mega Bay 1.

The production site also contains a $100 million five story office building and accompanying parking garage{{Cite web |date=February 14, 2024 |title=SpaceX plans to build a five-level Starbase office in South Texas |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/2024/02/14/spacex-plans-to-build-a-five-level-starbase-office-in-south-texas/ |access-date=April 16, 2024 |website=Dallas News |language=en}} as well as a recreation center and restaurant.{{Cite news |last=Lopez |first=Victoria |title=SpaceX's multi-million dollar South TX city adds sushi, rec space |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/spacex-recreation-sushi-projects-19407660.php |access-date=April 18, 2024 |work=MySA |language=en}}

The Sanchez site, located southwest of the production site, is where construction of many components for infrastructure take place. For example, as of November 2023, it is used to construct stands that will be used to move vehicles to allow easier installation of Raptor engines on the Super Heavy boosters.{{Cite AV media |title=Next Ship Prepped for Testing! Starbase Flyover Update 18 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv8C9x_Mbt8 |access-date=October 7, 2023 |via=YouTube |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011090210/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv8C9x_Mbt8&ab_channel=RGVAerialPhotography |url-status=live }} Two of those engine installation stands are now inside the first Mega Bay.

The Sanchez Site is also home to the rocket garden, which is where retired boosters and ships are stored.

The Sanchez site is so named because SpaceX leases it from Sanchez Oil and Gas Corporation, which had previously used it for natural gas extraction.{{Cite news |last=Lingle |first=Brandon |date=May 27, 2021 |title=SpaceX battling oil company over land |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/sa-inc/article/SpaceX-and-oil-company-in-legal-battle-over-24-16208888.php |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=MySA |language=en |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229234039/https://www.mysanantonio.com/sa-inc/article/SpaceX-and-oil-company-in-legal-battle-over-24-16208888.php |url-status=live }}

The Massey's Test Site is where the majority of SpaceX's design tests take place. The Massey's site was previously the location of the "Massey's Gun Shop and Range", before being sold to SpaceX in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Moreno |first=Gaby |date=June 14, 2021 |title=Massey's Gun Shop and Range sell property to SpaceX |url=https://www.valleycentral.com/spacex/masseys-gun-shop-and-range-sell-property-to-spacex/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229234341/https://www.valleycentral.com/spacex/masseys-gun-shop-and-range-sell-property-to-spacex/ |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=KVEO-TV |language=en-US}} It is the primary location for Ship and Super Heavy cryogenic testing,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EFWM-7StqA |title=Starbase Weekly, Ep.115: NEW Static Fire Stand Testing - Ship 26 At Massey's! |language=en |access-date=May 11, 2024 |via=www.youtube.com}} and is frequently used for testing test-tanks and other test articles in order to improve Starship's design.{{Cite AV media |title=Starbase Isn't Slowing Down! {{!}} SpaceX Starbase Update |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrkySbrJbG4 |access-date=September 27, 2023 |via=YouTube |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927141005/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrkySbrJbG4 |url-status=live }} Since May 2024, it has been the sole location for ship static fire tests.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EFWM-7StqA |title=Starbase Weekly, Ep.115: NEW Static Fire Stand Testing - Ship 26 At Massey's! |language=en |access-date=May 11, 2024 |via=www.youtube.com}}

File:House and lawn ornaments (51438760779).jpg]]

The new launch facility was projected in a 2014 study to generate {{USD|85 million}} of economic activity in the city of Brownsville and eventually generate approximately {{USD|51 million}} in annual salaries from some 500 jobs projected to be created by 2024.{{cite news |last1=Jervis |first1=Rick |title=Texas border town to become next Cape Canaveral |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/10/05/spacex-brownsville-spaceport/16584729/ |access-date=November 17, 2014 |work=USA Today |date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015084548/http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/10/05/spacex-brownsville-spaceport/16584729/ |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |url-status=live }}

A local economic development board was created for South Texas in 2014—the Cameron County Space Port Development Corporation (CCSPDC)—in order to facilitate the development of the aerospace industry in Cameron County near Brownsville. The first project for the newly established board is the SpaceX project to develop a launch site at Boca Chica Beach.{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=Gary |date=July 30, 2014 |title=Board meets regarding SpaceX project |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_f27bf4c2-185e-11e4-895a-0017a43b2370.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140806230602/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_f27bf4c2-185e-11e4-895a-0017a43b2370.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=July 31, 2014 |work=Brownsville Herald |location=Brownsville, Texas}} In May 2015, Cameron County transferred ownership of 25 lots in Boca Chica to CCSPDC, which could be used in the future to develop event parking.{{cite news |last1=Perez-Treviño |first1=Emma |title=Expanding the future |url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_55d1b2b6-f782-11e4-bcb4-536546669d18.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161219121048/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_55d1b2b6-f782-11e4-bcb4-536546669d18.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 19, 2016 |access-date=May 14, 2015 |work=Valley Morning Star |date=May 10, 2015 }}{{update after|2019}}

Among nearby locales, reception to Starship's development has been mixed, especially from cities close to the Starbase spaceport. Proponents of SpaceX's arrival said the company would provide money, education, and job opportunities to the country's poorest areas. Fewer than one-fifth of those 25 or older in the Rio Grande Valley have a bachelor's degree, in comparison to the national average of one-third.{{Cite web |last=Fouriezos |first=Nick |date=March 9, 2022 |title=SpaceX launches rockets from one of America's poorest areas. Will Elon Musk bring prosperity? |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2022/03/09/elon-musk-spacex-brownsville-texas/9431058002/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310005147/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2022/03/09/elon-musk-spacex-brownsville-texas/9431058002/ |archive-date=March 10, 2022 |access-date=March 10, 2022 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}} The local government has stated that the company boosted the local economy by hiring residents and investing, aiding the three-tenths of the population who live in poverty.{{cite web |last1=Sandoval |first1=Edgar |last2=Webner |first2=Richard |date=May 24, 2021 |title=A Serene Shore Resort, Except for the SpaceX 'Ball of Fire' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/24/us/space-x-boca-chica-texas.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401000606/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/24/us/space-x-boca-chica-texas.html |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US}}

The launch facility was approved for construction two miles from approximately thirty homes, with no indication that this would cause problems for the homeowners. Five years later in 2019, following an FAA re-evaluation of the environmental impact and the issuance of new FAA requirements that residents be asked to voluntarily stay outside their houses during particular tanking and engine ignition tests, SpaceX decided that a couple dozen of these homes were too close to the launch facility over the long term and sought acquisition of these properties.{{cite news |last1=Flahive |first1=Paul |title=SpaceX Squares Off Against Homeowners Near Texas Launch Facility |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/09/26/764790707/spacex-squares-off-against-homeowners-near-texas-launch-facility |website=All Things Considered |publisher=National Public Radio |date=September 26, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2019 |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929011658/https://www.npr.org/2019/09/26/764790707/spacex-squares-off-against-homeowners-near-texas-launch-facility |url-status=live }}{{update after|2019|12|29}} An attorney with expertise on such situations referred to the timeframe given{{clarify|date=December 2019}}{{Cite web|title="Great Job": ISRO On Historic NASA, SpaceX Mission|url=https://www.theindianhawk.com/2020/06/great-job-isro-on-historic-nasa-spacex-mission.html|access-date=July 2, 2020|website=The Indian Hawk|date=June 2020 |archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704023813/https://www.theindianhawk.com/2020/06/great-job-isro-on-historic-nasa-spacex-mission.html|url-status=live}} by SpaceX for homeowners to consider their purchase (two weeks) offer as "aggressive".{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-10-01/spacex-mars-boca-chica-texas-buy-out|title=To reach Mars, SpaceX is trying to buy up a tiny Texas community|last=Masunaga|first=Samantha|date=October 1, 2019|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=October 7, 2019|archive-date=October 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006202919/https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-10-01/spacex-mars-boca-chica-texas-buy-out|url-status=live}}

In 2021, activist Elias Cantu of the League of United Latin American Citizens said the company encourages Brownsville's gentrification, and fears an ever-increasing property valuation and a risk of low-income residents being pushed out of the neighborhood.

In June 2021, Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz threatened to prosecute SpaceX for unauthorized road and beach closures, as well as employing security officers who may not be licensed to carry handguns.{{Cite web |last=Wattles |first=Jackie |date=June 17, 2021 |title=Texas authorities threaten SpaceX with legal action over beach closures, private security |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/16/tech/spacex-criminal-warning-security-boca-chica-scn/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813215419/https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/16/tech/spacex-criminal-warning-security-boca-chica-scn/index.html |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=October 9, 2021 |website=CNN Business}}{{Cite web |last=De La Garza |first=Erik |date=June 26, 2021 |title=Threatened With Prosecution, SpaceX Defends Its Activities in South Texas |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/threatened-with-prosecution-spacex-defends-its-activities-in-south-texas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702234036/https://www.courthousenews.com/threatened-with-prosecution-spacex-defends-its-activities-in-south-texas/ |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=October 9, 2021 |website=Courthouse News Service}}{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Laura B. |date=June 15, 2021 |title=Cameron County DA: SpaceX may be violating Texas law |url=https://myrgv.com/local-news/2021/06/15/cameron-county-da-spacex-may-be-violating-texas-law/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625160736/https://myrgv.com/local-news/2021/06/15/cameron-county-da-spacex-may-be-violating-texas-law/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=October 9, 2021 |website=MyRGV.com |language=en-US}} United States Fish and Wildlife Service said that SpaceX had caused 1,000 hours of highway closures in 2019, well above the permitted 300 hours, prompting concerns of economic impacts from the extra 700 hours of road closures.{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2021 |title=SpaceX launch site brings controversy to Texas town |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-launch-site-boca-chica-texas-60-minutes-plus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009205530/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-launch-site-boca-chica-texas-60-minutes-plus/ |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |access-date=October 9, 2021 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en}}

During the SN8 launch, SpaceX ignored the FAA's models indicating that weather conditions could strengthen the shockwave created by rocket explosion and cause damage to nearby homes.{{Cite web|last=Roulette|first=Joey|date=June 15, 2021|title=SpaceX ignored last-minute warnings from the FAA before December Starship launch|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/15/22352366/elon-musk-spacex-faa-warnings-starship-sn8-launch-violation-texas|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006042131/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/15/22352366/elon-musk-spacex-faa-warnings-starship-sn8-launch-violation-texas|archive-date=October 6, 2021|access-date=October 8, 2021|website=The Verge|language=en}} SN8 lifted off despite multiple warnings that this would violate the company's launch license. Following the launch, the FAA's Associate Administrator Wayne Monteith commented that SpaceX showed poor process discipline by relying on assumptions, as such call into question the company's safety culture. Members of the United States Congress voiced concerns about the FAA's response. However, the FAA administrator stated that while SpaceX has made several corrections for those violations, the FAA would not approve further flights if SpaceX did not continue to perform those corrections.{{Cite news|date=March 29, 2021|title=Congress raises concerns about FAA's handling of Starship launch license violation|language=en-US|website=SpaceNews|url=https://spacenews.com/congress-raises-concerns-about-faas-handling-of-starship-launch-license-violation/|url-status=live|access-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009133103/https://spacenews.com/congress-raises-concerns-about-faas-handling-of-starship-launch-license-violation/|archive-date=October 9, 2021}}

A report from The Wall Street Journal in November 2023 found that homeowners, as well as locals in the area, were conflicted with the appearance of Starbase in the vicinity.{{cite journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/us-news/humanitys-future-or-an-unwelcome-interloper-spacexs-starbase-transforms-a-corner-of-texas-0cc99d16 |first=Micah |last=Maidenberg |journal=Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription |date=November 26, 2023 |title=Humanity's Future or an Unwelcome Interloper: SpaceX's Starbase Transforms a Corner of Texas |access-date=November 27, 2023 |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127145433/https://www.wsj.com/us-news/humanitys-future-or-an-unwelcome-interloper-spacexs-starbase-transforms-a-corner-of-texas-0cc99d16 |url-status=live }} Some locals stated that they wanted SpaceX to "move on from Cameron County", whereas some locals instead offered a positive view and referred to SpaceX's impact on their economy.

The economic impacts of the spaceport have included an influx of jobs into the area, mostly high-skill, high-wage careers.{{Cite web |last=Lowry |first=Willy |date=June 29, 2022 |title=On the cusp of history: a small Texas city adapts to life with Elon Musk and SpaceX |website=The National |language=en |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/2022/06/29/on-the-cusp-of-history-a-small-texas-city-adapts-to-life-with-elon-musk-and-spacex/ |access-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502195331/https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/2022/06/29/on-the-cusp-of-history-a-small-texas-city-adapts-to-life-with-elon-musk-and-spacex/ |url-status=live }} In addition, The Wall Street Journal found that Musk had plans in place to start a town near SpaceX and Boring Company facilities, dubbed "Snailbrook", wherein its employees would live and work.{{cite journal |author=Grind |first1=Kirsten |last2=Elliot |first2=Rebecca |last3=Mann |first3=Ted |last4=Bykowicz |first4=Julie |date=March 9, 2023 |title=Elon Musk Is Planning a Texas Utopia—His Own Town |url=https://wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-texas-town-52386513 |url-status=live |journal=The Wall Street Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628235050/https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-texas-town-52386513 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |access-date=June 28, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://cnn.com/2023/03/09/tech/elon-musk-texas-town/index.html |first=Clare |last=Duffy |date=March 9, 2023 |website=CNN |title=The Wall Street Journal: Elon Musk is planning to build his own town |access-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628235050/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/09/tech/elon-musk-texas-town/index.html |url-status=live }} These plans were met with significant backlash and controversy.{{cite web |first=Marina |last=Koren |date=April 27, 2023 |title=The Messy Reality of Elon Musk's Space City |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2023/04/spacex-starship-explosion-dust-debris-texas/673881/ |newspaper=The Atlantic |access-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628235050/https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2023/04/spacex-starship-explosion-dust-debris-texas/673881/ |url-status=live }} Additionally, local housing activists had cited concerns about gentrification displacing locals back in May 2022,{{Cite web |last=Davila |first=Dave |date=May 13, 2022 |title=Housing costs skyrocket as SpaceX expands in Texas city |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/05/13/1097981581/housing-costs-skyrocket-spacex-expands-texas |website=NPR |access-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502195331/https://www.npr.org/2022/05/13/1097981581/housing-costs-skyrocket-spacex-expands-texas |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author=Sheridan |first=Erin |date=May 24, 2022 |editor-last=Jimenez |editor-first=Freddy |editor2=Ramirez |editor2-first=Josue |title=The Fine Print: Exploring Musk's Impact, Local Leaders' Complacency, and the Community's Struggle |url=https://truchargv.com/the-fine-print-spacex/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502195330/https://truchargv.com/the-fine-print-spacex/ |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=Trucha RGV |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Duffy |first=Kate |date=May 22, 2021 |title=SpaceX is causing a rift between Brownsville residents. Some say it's shattering the lives of locals but others are welcoming the economic boom it's created. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-brownsville-residents-elon-musk-locals-division-2021-5 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502195329/https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-brownsville-residents-elon-musk-locals-division-2021-5 |url-status=live }} with these concerns only resurfacing in light of recent events.{{cite web |url=https://theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/18/is-elon-musk-creating-a-utopian-city-the-hellish-heavenly-history-of-company-towns |first=Steve |last=Rose |newspaper=The Guardian |date=April 18, 2023 |title=Is Elon Musk creating a utopian city? The hellish, heavenly history of company towns |access-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628235050/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/18/is-elon-musk-creating-a-utopian-city-the-hellish-heavenly-history-of-company-towns |url-status=live }} The local government has stated that the company boosted the local economy by hiring residents and investing, aiding the three-tenths of the population who live in poverty.

Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed concerns about who will regulate the spaceport, as NASA is not a regulatory agency, and the FAA has limited experience with space travel. The FAA oversaw SpaceX's investigation of the April 20, 2023 launch and explosion, and had granted one license for that launch only. Whether the space industry will implement plans for Brownsville to become a research center remains unknown.{{Cite web |date=July 5, 2022 |title='It's Not Going To Be as Sexy': Boca Chica Looks Toward a SpaceX Future Less Lofty Than it'd Hoped |url=https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/business-general-aviation/news/21273105/its-not-going-to-be-as-sexy-boca-chica-looks-toward-a-spacex-future-less-lofty-than-itd-hoped |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=Aviation Pros |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502201500/https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/business-general-aviation/news/21273105/its-not-going-to-be-as-sexy-boca-chica-looks-toward-a-spacex-future-less-lofty-than-itd-hoped |url-status=live }}

Dozens of public officials representing the area around Starbase have financial and business ties with the growth of the complex. The growth has been charged by extensive lobbying in local government and with campaign contributions. The company also received {{Usd|15 million}} in subsidies plus a ten-year tax exemption from the county, awarded in 2014, enabling the growth. Two dozen officials have received {{Usd|500,000}} collectively since then in campaign contributions.{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Marisa |date=September 20, 2024 |title=The Boosters: Liftoff at Musk's SpaceX base was fueled by wheeling-dealing Texas politicians |url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/spacex-texas-musk/ |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=Reuters}}

The Brownsville Economic Development Council (BEDC) was building a space tracking facility in Boca Chica Village on a {{convert|2.3|acre|m2|adj=on}} site adjacent to the SpaceX launch control center. The STARGATE tracking facility is a joint project of the BEDC, SpaceX, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly the University of Texas at Brownsville at the time the agreement was reached).{{update after|2021|9|30}}

In January 2016, the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Advisory Board (CVA) recommended that the South Padre Island City Council "proceed with further planning regarding potential SpaceX viewing sites".{{cite news |last=Kunkle |first=Abbey |date=January 15, 2016 |title=City moves forward with viewing facility |url=http://portisabelsouthpadre.com/2016/01/15/city-moves-forward-with-viewing-facility/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120080710/http://portisabelsouthpadre.com/2016/01/15/city-moves-forward-with-viewing-facility/ |archive-date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=January 25, 2016 |work=Port Isabel-South Padre Press}} The spaceport causes beach closures at Boca Chica beach during rocket launches.{{Cite web |title=SpaceX |url=https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/spacex/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103215438/https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/spacex/ |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |website=Cameron County |language=en-US}} The closest viewing spots are Rocket Ranch; Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island; and Port Isabel. Everyday Astronaut warned against crossing the Mexican border because of the dangers of Matamoros, Tamaulipas.{{Cite web |last=DeSisto |first=Austin |date=April 4, 2023 |title=How To Visit Starbase |url=https://everydayastronaut.com/how-to-visit-starbase/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105202923/https://everydayastronaut.com/how-to-visit-starbase/ |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=Everyday Astronaut |language=en-US}}

Launches from Starbase in South Texas have attracted SpaceX fans, gathering and taking photos.{{Cite news |last=Lingle |first=Brandon |date=November 17, 2023 |title='Bigger than Woodstock': SpaceX fans congregate in South Texas to watch, wait for Starship launch |url=https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/spacex-fans-congregate-south-texas-saturday-18497821.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223104146/https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/spacex-fans-congregate-south-texas-saturday-18497821.php |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |access-date=December 23, 2023 |work=San Antonio Express-News}}{{Cite web |author1=Dinner |first=Josh |date=November 17, 2023 |title=These SpaceX fans say they'll stay after 1-day Starship launch delay to Saturday |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-delay-launch-viewing-travelers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223104145/https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-delay-launch-viewing-travelers |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |access-date=December 23, 2023 |website=Space.com |language=en}} YouTube channels with large followings such as LabPadre and NASASpaceflight have been covering Starship's development since 2019, setting up cameras around the launch and production complex and broadcasting 24-hour livestreams.{{Cite web |last=Grush |first=Loren |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Encounters with SpaceX fans who uprooted their lives and moved to Starbase |url=https://www.theverge.com/23345120/rocketland-spacex-elon-musk-rocket-ranch-boca-chica-texas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223104145/https://www.theverge.com/23345120/rocketland-spacex-elon-musk-rocket-ranch-boca-chica-texas |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |access-date=December 23, 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en}}

Starbase's operations on at least 19 occasions between 2019 and mid-2024, caused "fires, leaks, explosions or other problems".{{Cite news |last1=Lipton |first1=Eric |last2=Kohut |first2=Meridith |date=2024-07-07 |title=Wildlife Protections Take a Back Seat to SpaceX's Ambitions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/07/us/politics/spacex-wildlife-texas.html |access-date=2024-07-07 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Lipton |first=Eric |date=July 8, 2024 |title=At SpaceX, Wildlife Safety Takes Back Seat to Launch |work=The New York Times |page=1 |publication-place=New York, New York |volume=CLXXIII |issue=60209}} Some residents of Boca Chica Village, Brownsville, and environmental activists criticized the Starship development program, stating that SpaceX had harmed local wildlife, conducted unauthorized test flights along with infrastructure construction, and polluted the area with noise.{{cite news|last=Sheetz|first=Michael|date=July 14, 2021|title=FAA warns SpaceX that massive Starship launch tower in Texas is unapproved|publisher=CNBC|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/14/faa-warns-spacex-it-has-not-approved-new-texas-launch-site-tower.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904033047/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/14/faa-warns-spacex-it-has-not-approved-new-texas-launch-site-tower.html|archive-date=September 4, 2021}}{{cite news|last=Koren|first=Marina|date=February 11, 2020|title=Why SpaceX Wants a Tiny Texas Neighborhood So Badly|publisher=The Atlantic|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/02/space-x-texas-village-boca-chica/606382/|url-status=live|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815024453/https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/02/space-x-texas-village-boca-chica/606382/ |archive-date=August 15, 2021}}

Starbase had originally planned to launch Falcon rockets when the original environmental assessment was completed in 2014. The site in 2019 was subsequently used to develop Starship and therefore required a revised environmental assessment.{{Cite web |last=Kramer |first=Anna |date=September 7, 2021 |title=SpaceX's launch site may be a threat to the environment |url=https://www.protocol.com/spacex-wildlife-environmental-impact-faa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201083343/https://www.protocol.com/spacex-wildlife-environmental-impact-faa |archive-date=December 1, 2021 |access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=Protocol.com |language=en}} The spaceport was approved under the assumption that the Falcon Heavy rocket would launch there, thus creating a large radius where Starship debris can land on, without regulatory compliance.{{Cite news |date=February 19, 2022 |title=SpaceX's monstrous, dirt-cheap Starship may transform space travel |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613 |url=https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2022/02/19/spacexs-monstrous-dirt-cheap-starship-may-transform-space-travel |access-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313054029/https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2022/02/19/spacexs-monstrous-dirt-cheap-starship-may-transform-space-travel |url-status=live }}

Environmental groups warned that the program threatens wildlife in the area, including 18 vulnerable and endangered species.{{Cite web|last=Wray|first=Dianna|date=September 5, 2021|title=Elon Musk's SpaceX launch site threatens wildlife, Texas environmental groups say|url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/05/texas-spacex-elon-musk-environment-wildlife|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008100945/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/05/texas-spacex-elon-musk-environment-wildlife|archive-date=October 8, 2021|access-date=October 8, 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Wray |first=Dianna |date=September 5, 2021 |title=Elon Musk's SpaceX launch site threatens wildlife, Texas environmental groups say |url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/05/texas-spacex-elon-musk-environment-wildlife |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008100945/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/05/texas-spacex-elon-musk-environment-wildlife |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |access-date=October 8, 2021 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=De La Garza |first=Erik |date=July 28, 2021 |title=As SpaceX races to expand launch site, concern grows for wildlife habitats in South Texas |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/as-spacex-races-to-expand-launch-site-concern-grows-for-wildlife-habitats-in-south-texas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902050646/https://www.courthousenews.com/as-spacex-races-to-expand-launch-site-concern-grows-for-wildlife-habitats-in-south-texas/ |archive-date=September 2, 2021 |access-date=October 8, 2021 |website=Courthouse News}} The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) said that Starbase is "surrounded by state parks and national wildlife refuge lands" and include "important habitats for imperiled wildlife" including the critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea-turtle, raising concerns about the impact of Starbase's activities to these habitats and endangered species within.

SpaceX said they had a partnership with Sea Turtle Inc - a South Texas nonprofit dedicated to sea turtle conservation - to assist with finding and transporting injured sea turtles to their facilities for treatment.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title=STARSHIPS ARE MEANT TO FLY - SpaceX - Updates |url=https://www.spacex.com/updates/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910162523/https://www.spacex.com/updates/ |archive-date=2024-09-10 |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=spacex.com}} SpaceX adopted Boca Chica Beach and is responsible for quarterly cleaning the beach and State Highway 4.

The development of Starship has resulted in several lawsuits against the FAA and SpaceX from environmental groups including the CBD; {{as of|2023|12||df=US|lc=y}}, these lawsuits were ongoing.{{Cite web |title=SpaceX's Texas Site Needs Full Environmental Review, Conservationists Say |url=https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/spacexs-texas-site-needs-full-environmental-review-conservationists-say-2022-06-13/ |access-date=December 26, 2023 |website=Center for Biological Diversity |language=en |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503165032/https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/spacexs-texas-site-needs-full-environmental-review-conservationists-say-2022-06-13/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=SpaceX sued by environmental groups, again, claiming rockets harm critical Texas bird habitats |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/17/spacex-environmental-impact-lawsuit-bird-habitat/71938400007/ |access-date=December 26, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114105042/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/17/spacex-environmental-impact-lawsuit-bird-habitat/71938400007/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Leinfelder |first=Andrea |date=November 29, 2023 |title=Spectators of SpaceX rocket may be damaging critical bird habitats in Texas, regulators say |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/space/article/spacex-starship-sensitive-habitats-18519607.php |access-date=December 24, 2023 |website=Houston Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213235755/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/space/article/spacex-starship-sensitive-habitats-18519607.php |url-status=live }} Biologists have raised concerns over the impact of Starbase's noise and light pollution on migratory bird species that use the nearby tidal flats.{{cite news |last=Burnett |first=John |date=June 21, 2021 |title=SpaceX's New Rocket Factory Is Making Its Texas Neighbors Mad |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/26/1009487890/spacexs-new-rocket-factory-is-making-its-texas-neighbors-mad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921132224/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/26/1009487890/spacexs-new-rocket-factory-is-making-its-texas-neighbors-mad |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |access-date=September 24, 2021 |publisher=NPR}} {{needs update|date=January 2025}}

SpaceX disclosed that biologists had conducted independent biological monitoring for birds near Starbase for 10 years, in a protocol developed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and that the monitoring had not shown any impact to bird populations. The company mentioned that flight 5 would see infrared drone surveillance pre- and post-launch to track bird nesting presence. SpaceX also said they worked with USFWS experts prior to launches.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title=STARSHIPS ARE MEANT TO FLY - SpaceX - Updates |url=https://www.spacex.com/updates/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910162523/https://www.spacex.com/updates/ |archive-date=2024-09-10 |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=spacex.com}}

Stephanie Bilodeau, a conservation bird biologist, said that piping plovers and red knots, both threatened species of birds, have "all but disappeared" from the flats after SpaceX began construction of Starbase in 2021. Additionally, in 2021, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee complained of "unauthorized encroachments and trespass on the refuge" by SpaceX employees.

In 2021, some of the early suborbital hop tests ended in large explosions, causing disruption to residents and wildlife reserves. Some residents in the village of Boca Chica had to leave the area prior to each launch due to their proximity. The FAA allowed the public to comment until November 1, 2021, on the environmental impact statement draft that they released on September 19, 2021.{{cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=September 30, 2021|title=U.S. extends environmental review for SpaceX program in Texas |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/us-extends-environmental-review-spacex-program-texas-2021-09-30/|url-status=live |access-date=October 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001211318/https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/us-extends-environmental-review-spacex-program-texas-2021-09-30/|archive-date=October 1, 2021}} SpaceX's environmental assessment missed important details about the propellant source. One such example is SpaceX's plan of building a 250-megawatt gas-fired power plant without specifying how it would obtain tens of millions of cubic feet of gas per day. Pat Parenteau, a law professor and senior counsel for the Environmental Advocacy Clinic at Vermont Law School, stated that it was unusual to exclude such details, which could violate the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act, in addition to the Clean Air Act.{{Cite web|title=The mystery of Elon Musk's missing gas |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/08/the-mystery-of-elon-musks-missing-gas/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009132859/https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/08/the-mystery-of-elon-musks-missing-gas/|archive-date=October 9, 2021 |access-date=October 8, 2021 |website=TechCrunch |date=October 8, 2021 |language=en-US}} David Newstead, the director of one local environmental group, said that the explosion of SN11 left rocket debris on parts of the wildlife refuge that took three months to clean up.{{Cite web |title=SpaceX launch site brings controversy to Texas town|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-launch-site-boca-chica-texas-60-minutes-plus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009205530/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-launch-site-boca-chica-texas-60-minutes-plus/|archive-date=October 9, 2021|access-date=October 13, 2021|website=CBS News|date=August 17, 2021 |language=en}} In September 2022 a static-fire test of a Raptor engine by SpaceX caused a 68-acre fire on the protected wildlife reserve, killing wildlife and eventually being contained by firefighters.{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2022 |title=Fire at SpaceX launch site burns 68 acres at protected refuge killing wildlife |url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/fire-spacex-launch-burns-68-152700388.html |access-date=January 12, 2024 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-CA |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112054414/https://ca.news.yahoo.com/fire-spacex-launch-burns-68-152700388.html |url-status=live }} The blaze occurred in the Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area in the Rio Grande Valley, home to several protected species.

Before the first Integrated Flight Test on April 20, 2023, 27 organizations including the Sierra Club, South Texas Environmental Justice Network, Another Gulf is Possible, Voces Unidas, Trucha, and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe signed a letter expressing their concerns and opposition to it. They cited gentrification and overpolicing of the area, and disruptions to local access to fishing and native ceremonies, along with high risk of explosive and methane-emitting accidents, among others.{{Cite web|date=April 19, 2023|title=Press Statement: Rio Grande Valley Community React Ahead of SpaceX Rocket Launch Blast on the South Texas Coastline |url= https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/2023-04/PressStatement_%20SpaceXlaunchthreatensRioGrandeValleycommunity_19April2023.pdf|access-date=April 24, 2023|website=Sierra Club |archive-date=April 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420055316/https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/2023-04/PressStatement_%20SpaceXlaunchthreatensRioGrandeValleycommunity_19April2023.pdf|url-status=live}} Even before then, parts of the wildlife refuge were covered with rocket debris after early failed test launches in 2021.{{Cite web |last=De La Rosa |first=Pablo |date=May 13, 2021 |title=As SpaceX Ramps Up Activity In The Rio Grande Valley, Local Concerns Grow |url=https://www.tpr.org/border-immigration/2021-05-12/spacex-rio-grande-valley-local-concerns-grow |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513005107/https://www.tpr.org/border-immigration/2021-05-12/spacex-rio-grande-valley-local-concerns-grow |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |access-date=October 8, 2021 |website=TPR |language=en}}

{{Further|Starship flight test 1#Effects on environment}}

After the launch, which was plagued by engine fire control issues and forced to end in an explosion via self-destruct over the Gulf,{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Stephen |title=FAA says SpaceX has more to do before Starship can fly again |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/09/faa-says-spacex-has-more-to-do-before-starship-can-fly-again/ |access-date=September 8, 2023 |date=September 8, 2023 |ref=ars_review |archive-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908194205/https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/09/faa-says-spacex-has-more-to-do-before-starship-can-fly-again/ |url-status=live }} a representative of Another Gulf also criticized the launch's noise levels, blasting of particulate matter (later determined to be sand{{cite news |last1=Leinfelder |first1=Andrea |title=SpaceX Starship sprinkled South Texas with mystery material. Here's what it was. |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/space/article/spacex-starship-launch-dumped-sand-across-south-18266534.php |access-date=October 4, 2023 |date=August 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902095233/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/space/article/spacex-starship-launch-dumped-sand-across-south-18266534.php |url-status=live }}) on Port Isabel residents 10 km (6.5 miles) away, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's approval that same day of new liquefied natural gas terminals within close proximity of Port Isabel.{{Cite news |last=Albeck-Ripka |first=Livia |date=April 21, 2023 |title=SpaceX's Starship Kicked Up a Dust Cloud, Leaving Texans With a Mess |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/21/us/spacex-rocket-dust-texas.html |access-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421100948/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/21/us/spacex-rocket-dust-texas.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=April 21, 2023 |title="Colonizing Our Community": Elon Musk's SpaceX Rocket Explodes in Texas as Feds OK New LNG Projects |website=Democracy Now! |url=https://www.democracynow.org/2023/4/21/spacex_gulf_coast |access-date=April 25, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421154348/https://www.democracynow.org/2023/4/21/spacex_gulf_coast |archive-date=April 21, 2023}} The launch scattered debris across {{Convert|385|acre|ha|abbr=out}} of SpaceX property and Boca Chica State Park, though no debris was found on refuge fee-owned lands. It also started a wildfire that burned {{Convert|3.5|acre|ha|abbr=out|adj=off}} of state park land to the south of the pad. A US Fish and Wildlife Service survey found no evidence of dead birds or other wildlife following the launch,{{Cite news |last1=Grush |first1=Loren |last2=Hull |first2=Dana |date=April 26, 2023 |title=SpaceX's Starship Launch Sparked Fire on State Park Land |work=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-26/spacex-launch-sparked-3-5-acre-fire-on-state-park-land-us-says-lgy2cc46?leadSource=uverify%20wall |access-date=April 26, 2023}} though Texas Public Radio reported that a quail's nest was charred.{{Cite news |last=Davila |first=Gaige |date=April 27, 2023 |title=SpaceX is grounded after rocket explosion caused extensive environmental damage |language=en-US |work=Texas Public Radio |url=https://www.tpr.org/environment/2023-04-27/photos-spacex-is-grounded-after-rocket-explosion-caused-extensive-environmental-damage |access-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428152150/https://www.tpr.org/environment/2023-04-27/photos-spacex-is-grounded-after-rocket-explosion-caused-extensive-environmental-damage |url-status=live }}

After the failed first test launch of the Starship stack, residents of the nearby Port Isabel complained of a "dust" covering homes, cars, and streets. This dust reportedly consisted of fine particles of sand and soil that had been kicked up into the atmosphere from the launch of Starship,{{Cite web |last1=Cohen |first1=Rebecca |last2=Panella |first2=Chris |title=SpaceX's Starship launch kicked up soil and sand that rained down on a nearby beachside town 5 miles away |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/spacexs-starship-launch-kicked-up-soil-sand-covered-port-isabel-2023-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224000713/https://www.businessinsider.com/spacexs-starship-launch-kicked-up-soil-sand-covered-port-isabel-2023-4 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}} with concerns by environmental groups over further damage to the habitat caused by cleanup efforts.{{Cite web |last1=Wattles |first1=Jackie |last2=Nilsen |first2=Ella |date=May 1, 2023 |title=Environmental groups sue FAA for SpaceX launch that exploded in April |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/01/us/faa-spacex-explosion-lawsuit-scn-climate/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112052317/https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/01/us/faa-spacex-explosion-lawsuit-scn-climate/index.html |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |access-date=January 12, 2024 |website=CNN |language=en-us}} According to Dave Cortez of the Sierra Club environmental advocacy group, several residents complained of broken windows in their businesses and the sand/soil particles covering their homes.{{Cite web |author1=Turner |first=Ben |date=April 25, 2023 |title=Disastrous SpaceX launch under federal investigation after raining potentially hazardous debris on homes and beaches |url=https://www.livescience.com/space/space-exploration/disastrous-spacex-launch-under-federal-investigation-after-raining-potentially-hazardous-debris-on-homes-and-beaches |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224002514/https://www.livescience.com/space/space-exploration/disastrous-spacex-launch-under-federal-investigation-after-raining-potentially-hazardous-debris-on-homes-and-beaches |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |website=livescience.com |language=en-us}} CNBC reported that representatives from the Club and the CBD said the blast's particulate ejecta (sand) could have negative effects on Port Isabel residents and endangered species' health, and that the blast prevented wildlife biologists from inspecting the area until April 22, 2023.{{cite web | last=Kolodny | first=Lora | title=SpaceX Starship explosion spread particulate matter for miles | website=CNBC | date=April 24, 2023 | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/24/spacex-starship-explosion-spread-particulate-matter-for-miles.html | access-date=April 25, 2023 | archive-date=April 25, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425045623/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/24/spacex-starship-explosion-spread-particulate-matter-for-miles.html | url-status=live }}

On May 1, ten days after the launch, the Tribe and four environmental groups including the CBD sued the FAA for allegedly granting the launch license, in the plaintiffs' view, "too early".{{cite court|litigants=Center for Biological Diversity et al. v. Federal Aviation Administration|date=2023|url= https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/pdfs/SpaceXComplaintasFiled.pdf|court=D.C. Cir.|access-date=May 3, 2023}}{{cite news|work=CNBC|via=NBC News|first= Lora|last=Kolodny|title=FAA sued over SpaceX Starship launch program following April explosion|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/faa-sued-spacex-starship-launch-program-april-explosion-rcna82289 |date=May 1, 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Gorman |first=Steve |date=May 1, 2023 |title=Environmentalists sue FAA over SpaceX launch license for Texas |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/environmentalists-sue-faa-over-spacex-launch-license-texas-2023-05-01/ |access-date=May 3, 2023}} SpaceX would later join the FAA as a co-defendant in order to "fight off" the environmental groups' lawsuit over Starship.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-joins-faa-starship-environmental-lawsuit |first=Mike |last=Wall |date=May 23, 2023 |website=Space.com |title=SpaceX joining FAA to fight environmental groups' Starship lawsuit: report |access-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628233645/https://www.space.com/spacex-joins-faa-starship-environmental-lawsuit |url-status=live }} SpaceX stated the suit could potentially "significantly delay" its Starship program, which in turn would cause "severe injury" to SpaceX's business, the U.S. government, and private customers.{{cite news |url=https://expressnews.com/business/article/spacex-joins-faa-defendant-lawsuit-south-texas-18114267.php |first=Eric |last=Killelea |date=May 23, 2023 |newspaper=San Antonio Express-News |title=SpaceX joins FAA as defendant in lawsuit over private space company's launch from South Texas |access-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628233647/https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/spacex-joins-faa-defendant-lawsuit-south-texas-18114267.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Sheetz |first1=Michael |last2=Kolodny |first2=Lora |date=May 22, 2023 |title=SpaceX set to join FAA to fight environmental lawsuit that could delay Starship work |url=https://cnbc.com/2023/05/22/spacex-joining-faa-to-fight-environmental-lawsuit-over-starship.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628233647/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/22/spacex-joining-faa-to-fight-environmental-lawsuit-over-starship.html |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |access-date=June 28, 2023 |website=CNBC}} The suit alleges that the FAA allowed SpaceX to bypass environmental reviews due to Musk's financial and political influence.

Spectators of both flight test 1 and November flight test 2 launches have reportedly caused damage to local habitats in the nearby wildlife reserve, prompting further criticism by environmental groups. After reports of damage to tidal flats south of the launchpad following flight test 2 in November 2023, the US Fish and Wildlife Service said that they are working with SpaceX "to educate the public on the importance of tidal flat habitat".

Texas US Senator Ted Cruz has said that the second Starship launch was "after months of delay stemming from bureaucratic red tape from AST, Fish and Wildlife and other agencies injecting themselves into the process” resulting in "asinine delays". FAA associate administrator Kelvin Coleman said that the environmental reviews Senator Cruz referred to were required in order to "ensure compliance with NEPA and related environmental laws" and were being conducted in accordance with US law.{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=December 15, 2023 |title=Federal agencies caught in environmental crossfire over Starship launches |url=https://spacenews.com/federal-agencies-caught-in-environmental-crossfire-over-starship-launches/ |access-date=December 16, 2023 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}} Environmental protection groups on the other hand have accused regulatory agencies of not doing enough to protect the environment and wildlife in the area surrounding the launch site.

On February 2, 2024, an appellate ruling was made, reversing a lower court decision allowing beach closures.{{cite news |author=Lingle |first=Brandon |date=February 2, 2024 |title=Environmental, Native groups win appeal in suit regarding SpaceX beach closures |url=https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/save-rgv-appeal-win-spacex-beach-closures-18642787.php |access-date=April 24, 2024 |publisher=San-Antonio Express News}}{{update after|2024|11|20}}

SpaceX later built a water deluge system underneath the launch pad from July 5 to 17, 2023, testing it at full pressure for the first time on July 28. However, SpaceX ignored procedures required by state and federal laws, including specifying the water mix's composition, where it drains into, and how much of it is used, to apply for permits to test the system. On October 19, the FWS surveyed the area around the Boca Chica launch facility,{{cite tweet |number=1715052447737979039 |user=LabPadre |author=LabPadre Space |date=October 19, 2023 |title=Fish and Wildlife Service is surveying the area around the Launch Site. Come tune in and watch live |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019233752/https://twitter.com/labpadre/status/1715052447737979039 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |publisher=Twitter}} as well as on October 25, 2023, when the water deluge system was taken into account.{{cite web |author=Dvorsky |first=George |date=October 27, 2023 |title=Review of SpaceX Starship's Water Deluge System Critical to Next Launch |url=https://gizmodo.com/spacex-starship-environmental-review-water-deluge-1850966405 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029232151/https://gizmodo.com/spacex-starship-environmental-review-water-deluge-1850966405 |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |publisher=Gizmodo}}{{Cite tweet |number=1717163473400926410 |user=nasaspaceflight |title=Biggest presence to date |access-date=October 25, 2023 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}

Following 14 complaints to the TCEQ alleging environmental impact from the Starship deluge system, a TCEQ notice said SpaceX violated environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act by repeatedly releasing pollutants into or near bodies of water.{{Cite web |last=Calma |first=Justine |date=2024-08-13 |title=SpaceX faces accusations it violated the Clean Water Act |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/13/24219374/spacex-faces-accusations-it-violated-the-clean-water-act |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=The Verge |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=SpaceX repeatedly polluted waters in Texas this year, regulators found |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/spacex-polluted-waters-texas-regulators-rcna166283 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=NBC News |language=en}} SpaceX was fined around $148,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for discharging industrial water with their deluge system without the required permit.{{Cite web |last=Lingle |first=Brandon |date=2024-09-12 |title=SpaceX fined nearly $150,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency for water violations, fuel spill |url=https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/spacex-fine-epa-clean-water-violations-19757884.php |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=expressnews.com}}{{Cite web |last=US EPA |first=REG 06 |date=2024-09-10 |title=Proposed Administrative Penalty Order against Space Explorations Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) for Clean Water Act violation |url=https://www.epa.gov/tx/proposed-administrative-penalty-order-against-space-explorations-technologies-corp-spacex-clean |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=www.epa.gov |language=en}}

In their statement, SpaceX said that the deflector did not spray pollutants into the environment and used drinking water, and said that samples of outflow water consistently showed negligible traces of contaminants and within standards.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title=STARSHIPS ARE MEANT TO FLY - SpaceX - Updates |url=https://www.spacex.com/updates/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910162523/https://www.spacex.com/updates/ |archive-date=2024-09-10 |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=spacex.com}} In their TCEQ permit application summary, SpaceX stated that discharges are expected to contain total dissolved solids constituents nitrate, phosphorus, sulfate, chloride, fluoride, aluminum, cadmium, chromium, copper, cyanide, and zinc.{{cite web |url=https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/wastewater/title-iv/tpdes/wq0005462000-spaceexplorationtechnologiescorp-starbaselaunchpadsite-cameron-tpdes-adminpackage-corrected2-081424.pdf |title=Technical Package WQ0005462000 |date=August 14, 2024 |website=Texas Commission on Environmental Quality |access-date=September 13, 2024 |page=52 }} According to the EPA, SpaceX discharged between 34,200 and 45,300 gallons of fresh water on seven different occasions directly into the wetlands surrounding the launch site.

In response, SpaceX released a statement criticizing the approval process,{{Cite web |last=Lingle |first=Brandon |date=2024-09-12 |title=SpaceX fined nearly $150,000 by the EPA for wastewater violations |url=https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/spacex-fine-epa-clean-water-violations-19757884.php |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=San Antonio Express-News |language=en}} saying that the FAA was distracted by unimportant issues instead of focusing on critical safety analysis for the public and the environment.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-11 |title=SpaceX says Starship launch license delayed to November |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/transport-logistics/spacex-says-starship-launch-license-delayed-november |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=The Business Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Tom |title=Elon Musk and SpaceX are beefing with regulators over Starship's launch delay |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-spacex-beef-with-regulators-over-starship-launch-delay-2024-9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921145742/https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-spacex-beef-with-regulators-over-starship-launch-delay-2024-9 |archive-date=2024-09-21 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}} SpaceX has since applied for a discharge permit; TCEQ said the approval process could take at least 330 days.

In a meeting of the United States House Science Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics on 10 September 2024, Brian Babin, Haley Stevens, and members of the space industry criticized the FAA's Part 450 commercial launch and reentry regulations that they claim threaten American competitiveness in space. Dave Cavossa, president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, said the implementation of regulations "has caused severe licensing delays, confusion and is jeopardizing our long-held leadership position."{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2024-09-11 |title=Congress, industry criticize FAA launch licensing regulations |url=https://spacenews.com/congress-industry-criticize-faa-launch-licensing-regulations/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}

Cards Against Humanity (CAH) accused SpaceX of trespassing on land{{when|date=November 2024}} they bought in 2017 to slow down Donald Trump's Mexico border wall. The company cleared land belonging to CAH and used it to store construction materials. A real estate analyst for the company{{which|date=December 2024}} called a CAH executive soon after it was discovered, offering to purchase the land from them. CAH sued in Cameron County District Court{{when|date=November 2024}} for trespassing and destruction of property, seeking {{Usd|15 million}}.

A reassessment of the previous environmental review was required after 2022 when SpaceX desired to increase the frequency of launches and increase the size and power of the Starship Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage from the specification of the v1 booster and ship used in the previous review. In November 2024, the FAA released the draft version of the revised Environmental Assessment and indicated that it would grant SpaceX regulatory permission to increase annual launches from five to 25, and to increase the power and size of the vehicles launched there. The FAA stated that "all pertinent conditions and requirements of the prior approval have been met" and that there "were no significant environmental changes because all pertinent conditions and requirement of the 2022 PEA have been met or will be met in the current action." A public comment period opened on November 20, 2024 and closed on January 17, 2025, and the FAA held five public meetings to solicit feedback.{{cite news |title=SpaceX just got exactly what it wanted from the FAA for Texas Starship launches |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/11/spacex-just-got-exactly-what-it-wanted-from-the-faa-for-texas-starship-launches/ |last=Berger|first=Eric |work=Ars Technica |date=20 February 2024 |accessdate=20 November 2024}}[https://spacenews.com/faa-updates-environmental-review-for-increased-starship-launches/ FAA updates environmental review for increased Starship launches], Jeff Foust, SpaceNews, 24 November 2024.

• List of spaceports
• SpaceX reusable launch system development program
• Starship HLS, lunar variant of the Starship spacecraft developed at the South Texas site

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|SpaceX Starbase}}

• [http://www.wacotrib.com/blogs/joe_science/spacex-gets-preliminary-faa-nod-for-south-texas-launch-site/article_fc159438-a6d7-11e2-a746-001a4bcf887a.html SpaceX gets preliminary FAA nod for South Texas launch site], Waco Tribune-Herald, April 16, 2013.
• [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/28/us/lone-star-state-bets-heavily-on-a-space-economy.html Lone Star State Bets Heavily on a Space Economy], New York Times, November 27, 2014.
• [https://www.faa.gov/media/82786 Draft Tiered Environmental Assessment for SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy Vehicle Increased Cadence at the SpaceX Boca Chica Launch Site in Cameron County, Texas], faa.gov, July 2024

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{{SpaceX}}

{{Spaceports}}

Category:Spaceports in the United States

Category:SpaceX facilities

Category:Cameron County, Texas

Category:2014 establishments in Texas

Category:SpaceX Starship