Starbase Watch · October 16, 2026
County deeds show SpaceX bought the surface of about 1,500 acres east of Brownsville, from the Rio Grande north past Highway 48. That is more than 3 times the 444 acres Brownsville released.
Map: tract lines from the deeds, approximate
Background photo: NASA. Map aerial: USDA NAIP via USGS (public domain).
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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
More than 3 times the 444 acres Brownsville released. The land runs from the Rio Grande north past Highway 48.
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Deeds recorded Oct. 5. SpaceX donated the $824,750 difference, and a covenant bars development on 10 acres believed to be near the Civil War's last shot.
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A license for Manson Construction at Andy Bowie Park. Manson holds the Army Corps' $9.4 million job to dredge the jetty channel.
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.
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