Elon's Starbase: One Giant Leap for SpaceX, One Small Step for Democracy?

Starbase Rising: From Boca Chica to... Borough?

Higher further faster... and now apparently municipal. Your friendly neighborhood Captain Marvel here reporting live (sort of) from… well not space this time. Seems Elon Musk's little rocket playground in Boca Chica Texas is officially a 'Type C city' called Starbase. And guess who's running the show? You guessed it! SpaceX employees. Apparently they had a very unopposed election. I mean I face more resistance from a Skrull in disguise than these guys did. Still 212 votes in favor 6 against. I've seen closer elections on Hala! And only 143 votes were needed. This is what happens when you let rocket scientists play town planner folks.

Meet Your New Overlords... Er Public Servants

So who are these titans of Texas town governance? We've got Bobby Peden the VP of Texas test and launch operations at SpaceX now the mayor. Seriously “mayor”? Feels like a demotion for someone who helps launch rockets. Then there are the commissioners: Jenna Petrzelka a former operations engineering manager turned philanthropist (fancy!) and Jordan Buss a senior director of environmental health and safety. I hope that last one is prepared for what's coming because between you and me based on what I've seen out there it needs it. Makes you wonder if their first city council meeting will be held in a Dragon capsule.

Houston We Have a (Potential) Problem

Remember that time the Starship exploded in mid air? Good times right? Well the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wasn't exactly thrilled when a "3.5 acre fire" broke out on Boca Chica State Park land. Turns out SpaceX has had a few… *ahem*… environmental mishaps. Clean Water Act violations anyone? I'm all for progress but not at the expense of Mother Earth. Even Ronan the Accuser knew better than to mess with the planet! Environmental groups are suing SpaceX over habitat damage endangered species… you know the usual 'rocket company blowing stuff up' concerns. Someone needs to remind them that with great power comes great responsibility. Oh wait wrong universe.

Twitter Town: The Official Statement

The StarbaseTX account on X (formerly Twitter because even branding has a mid life crisis these days) claims becoming a city will “help us continue building the best community possible for the men and women building the future of humanity's place in space.” Aww isn't that sweet? I guess building rockets and running a city are basically the same thing… except one involves you know actual constituents who aren't employed by you. But hey who needs pesky things like diverse opinions when you're reaching for the stars? Or you know just reaching for low Earth orbit for now.

One Small Step for a Corporation...

Look I’m all for innovation. But I’ve seen what happens when unchecked power collides with ambition. Whether it’s the Kree Empire or some billionaire building a rocket in the desert someone needs to keep an eye on things. I'm not saying Starbase is going to become the next Hala but I'm also not *not* saying it. It reminds me of what Fury always said: "Trust but verify." So Starbase you're on my radar. Fly safe and try not to blow up the planet. Or at least clean up after yourselves.

Higher Further Faster... and Fairer?

Seriously though this Starbase situation raises some important questions about corporate influence and environmental responsibility. I mean is this really the best way to build a city? Should a company control the government that regulates it? And more importantly will they finally get around to installing decent coffee machines in Starbase? Because even cosmic superheroes need their caffeine fix. In the meantime I'll be keeping an eye on Starbase because as Earth's mightiest hero that's what I do. Over and out!