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Starbase Watch · November 15, 2026

SpaceX asked Texas to let it run 3 gas turbines, about 31 megawatts, at its Starbase production site.

The filing went to TCEQ on Sept. 17, 2026 and is still pending. It lists Oct. 30, 2026 to start building and Jan. 28, 2027 to start running. Also today: Boca Chica Beach is open, no closure.

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Card: 3 gas turbines, about 31 megawatts at the Starbase production site, filed and pendingPending

Background photo: NASA.

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Three reasons people land on this page

Watch a Starship launch

Every launch pulls thousands of visitors into Cameron County, and most of them find out too late that the beach and highway close, or that the best views aren't where they parked. Viewing spots, closure calendars, timing, and what to bring.

Launch viewing guide →

Find a place to stay

Hotels in Brownsville, beachfront on South Padre Island, and RV sites minutes from the launch corridor. What each option is good for, and how launch weeks change the math.

Lodging guide →

Move here for work

The overwhelming majority of people working at Starbase have to find their own housing. If that's you, or you're coming for the port, the LNG projects, or the growth itself, start with the honest version of the housing market.

Relocation guide →

Starbase Watch

The news that changes your plans, dated and sourced

Card: 3 gas turbines, about 31 megawatts at the Starbase production site, filed and pending

SpaceX asked Texas for 3 gas turbines, about 31 megawatts, at the Starbase production site

Filed Sept. 17, 2026, still pending. Also today: Boca Chica Beach is open. Sources: TCEQ, SpaceX's application, City of Starbase.

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Card: $4.4M port-area park, City Commission votes Tue., Nov. 17

Brownsville City Commission votes Tue., Nov. 17 on a $4.4M build-out of a 60-acre park near the Port

EDA grant plus developer match for roads, water, sewer, drainage and broadband. Also today: the Flight 15 ship catch try. Sources: City of Brownsville, SpaceX.

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Flight 15 card: today, still waiting on the FAA

Flight 15 launch day: window opens 4:45 p.m. CT, FAA license still the last piece

Fri., Nov. 13, 2026, pending regulatory approval. Beach closes 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. today and Saturday. Sources: SpaceX, Reuters, FAA, City of Starbase.

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Flight 15 card: ship due back Saturday

Flight 15 could launch Friday and bring its ship back to Starbase on Saturday

Window opens 4:45 p.m. CT Fri., Nov. 13, 2026, pending approval. Beach closed Fri. and Sat. Sources: SpaceX, FAA, City of Starbase.

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Public comment instructions on the Cameron County agenda for Nov. 17, 2026

Three chances to be heard on SpaceX's plans at Boca Chica, starting Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026

County Nov. 17, FAA Nov. 17 to 19, Starbase Dec. 9, 2026. Sources: Cameron County, FAA, City of Starbase.

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Item 4.H on the Cameron County Commissioners Court agenda for Nov. 17, 2026

Cameron County's Nov. 17, 2026 agenda lists a notice of intent to consider a SpaceX tax abatement

Filed Nov. 10, 2026. Source: Cameron County Commissioners Court agenda.

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Map of about 32 acres SpaceX bought off Illinois Avenue in Brownsville

A county deed shows SpaceX bought about 32 acres off Illinois Avenue in east Brownsville

Recorded Nov. 5, 2026. No price listed. Source: Cameron County Clerk.

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