Starbase Watch · October 11, 2026
Elon Musk says catching the ship is the next big milestone, "hopefully" on Flight 15, which he hopes is 4 to 6 weeks out. No closure order yet.
File photo, Flight 14
Background photo: NASA. Cybertruck photo: City of Starbase.
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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 →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 →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
He hopes Flight 15 tries it, and puts the flight "hopefully in 4-6 weeks." Ship 42 is back in Mega Bay 2. No closure order yet.
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Options for up to 20 more patrol trucks and 10 for the fire department. Bids due Oct. 26. Plus Highway 4 annexation hearings Oct. 23 and 28.
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The first Starship SpaceX has brought back from the ocean rolled up Highway 4 overnight and reached the production site early Oct. 11.
Read the item →Housing help
Housing inquiries on this site come to our own team. Moving in for Starbase, the port, or the LNG projects? Tell us what you need and when you land (long-term rental, monthly RV site, or not sure yet) and a human replies with real availability.