The city of Starbase in South Texas is advancing plans to annex approximately 7,133 acres surrounding its current boundaries to accommodate further growth of SpaceX's Starbase facility.

The proposed annexation would expand the city's footprint well beyond its existing roughly 1,100 acres, enabling additional infrastructure for Starship rocket production, testing, and launches. City officials are in the process of gathering petition signatures from more than 300 landowners in the targeted area, which includes parcels owned by SpaceX, state and federal agencies, and private parties.

Starbase, incorporated in May 2025 as Cameron County's newest municipality, serves as the primary site for SpaceX's Starship program. The facility has already seen significant development, including multiple orbital launch pads and manufacturing buildings. Earlier expansions at the launch site received approvals that provided land for ground support equipment at both pads.

The annexation effort coincides with ongoing workforce growth at the site. SpaceX employs over 4,000 workers at Starbase, with about 70 percent drawn from the local area. The company has outlined plans to nearly double that number to around 8,000 employees this year.

A related land exchange with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could transfer 712 acres along Boca Chica Boulevard to SpaceX in return for 692 acres near Laguna Vista. This swap aims to facilitate development while addressing refuge boundaries.

SpaceX's broader Texas operations, including Starbase, have contributed more than 56,000 direct and indirect jobs and over $28 billion in estimated economic impact since 2024. The annexation process includes public hearings and continues the pattern of local government support for the company's expansion in the Rio Grande Valley.