An independent guide, with skin in the ground

What we are — and aren't

• We are independent. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to SpaceX, the City of Starbase, Texas, Cameron County, or any government agency. "Gateway to Mars" is our domain name and describes this region's role in the story — nothing more.
• We are local stakeholders, and we say so. The team behind this site owns property in the area, and housing inquiries are handled by our own operation, Schrank Property Management. When we recommend our own services, we tell you; when something else fits better, we say that too — the guide only works if you can trust it.
• We cite official sources for anything safety- or schedule-related. Launch dates and closures always defer to Cameron County's official notices. If we're wrong, tell us and we'll fix it.
• This region's story has more than one side. Rapid growth has real critics here — environmental groups and residents have raised serious concerns about launch impacts. A guide that pretends otherwise isn't honest. We keep our coverage factual and link out rather than cheerlead.

How the site makes money

Some lodging links are affiliate links that may earn a commission at no cost to you; housing inquiries go to our own operation, Schrank Property Management. That's the model — no paywalls, no sponsored content dressed up as advice.

Get in touch

Corrections, tips, business inquiries, or housing questions — call or text 956-551-4917, or use the form and a human replies.