SpaceX’s Starbase City Establishes Its Own Municipal Court
In a significant move towards self-governance, Starbase, the Texas city developed by SpaceX, is set to establish its own municipal court. This initiative is part of a broader effort to build comprehensive municipal services within the city, which is closely associated with SpaceX’s operations.
During a recent city commission meeting, the city administrator introduced a proposed ordinance to create a municipal court staffed by a part-time judge, prosecutor, and court clerk. Initially, the mayor will serve as the judge until a candidate is appointed for a two-year term, with the goal of having a nominee ready by the next meeting.
Starbase, home to approximately 580 residents and adjacent to SpaceX’s South Texas rocket factory and launch facility, has been actively developing its municipal infrastructure. The city has already established a volunteer fire department and is in the process of creating its own police department. Previously, Starbase managed building permits and fire code inspections independently. When plans to contract local county sheriff’s deputies for city patrols did not materialize, the city decided to form the Starbase Police Department. However, it continues to utilize the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department’s jail facilities.
The establishment of the police department is anticipated to take approximately six months. The city commission reviewed an application to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, revealing that in 2025, Starbase experienced 420 law enforcement calls, 180 fire service calls, and 140 EMS calls. Additionally, 353 traffic accidents were documented, with over 7,000 vehicles traversing Highway 4 daily.
The Cameron County Sheriff’s Office has been unable to provide dedicated law enforcement coverage for Starbase, prompting the city to take proactive measures to ensure public safety and the protection of assets associated with SpaceX’s operations.
