From Rockets to Robes: SpaceX’s Starbase Seeks Its Own Court System

Starbase, Texas, the burgeoning city built around Elon Musk’s SpaceX spaceport, is taking another major step toward full municipal autonomy by proposing the creation of its own municipal court. This move follows the recent establishment of a volunteer fire department and ongoing work to form a police force, cementing the transformation of a remote rocket launch site into a self-governing company town.

At a city commission meeting on Wednesday, the Starbase city administrator introduced a draft ordinance to establish a local court. The proposal outlines a system with a part-time judge, a prosecutor, and a court clerk to handle local matters such as traffic violations and minor misdemeanors. In the interim, the city’s mayor, SpaceX Vice President Bobby Peden, would serve as the judge until a permanent candidate is appointed for a two-year term. Officials are optimistic they can present a candidate for the role as soon as next month’s meeting.

Forging a City from Scratch

The creation of a judicial system is the latest in a series of deliberate steps by Starbase to build out its own civic infrastructure since officially incorporating in May 2025. The city, with a population of about 580 residents-mostly SpaceX employees and their families-voted overwhelmingly to incorporate, with 212 in favor and only six opposed. This move gave SpaceX greater control over local zoning and development to support its ambitious Starship program.

Since then, Starbase has rapidly assembled the components of a functional city. It has already formed a volunteer fire department and taken over responsibility for building permits and fire code inspections. The push for a dedicated police department gained momentum after a plan to contract with local Cameron County sheriff’s deputies fell through. The process of establishing the Starbase Police Department is expected to take about six months and is pending approval from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

A Modern-Day Company Town

Starbase represents a 21st-century revival of the company town, a model where a single corporation builds and controls the community’s housing, services, and governance. Historically, such towns were common in isolated mining or lumber regions and often faced criticism for paternalistic control and the potential for worker exploitation. SpaceX’s vision, however, is framed as a necessity to create a “world-class place to live” that can attract the talent needed to achieve its goal of Mars colonization.

The rapid development has not been without friction. The city’s expansion plans, including a recent proposal to annex over 7,100 acres, have raised concerns among environmental advocates about the impact on wildlife refuges and public access to Boca Chica Beach. Furthermore, the concentration of civic power-from law enforcement to the judiciary-within a corporate-led structure raises questions about impartiality and democratic accountability.

The Trajectory for Starbase and Beyond

The establishment of a municipal court is a critical milestone for Starbase, allowing it to adjudicate local laws independently of Cameron County. This legal autonomy is essential as the city and its primary employer, SpaceX, continue to grow. The company has already invested in numerous amenities, including restaurants, a school, a medical clinic, and a new $14 million “Starship Park.”

As Starbase solidifies its status as a self-sufficient city, it sets a powerful precedent. It serves as a test case for how modern tech and industrial giants might approach large-scale development in the future, potentially reviving the company town model for the space age. The long-term implications for governance, corporate power, and the relationship between private enterprise and public life are being forged today on the Texas coast, with an ultimate eye toward the stars.