SpaceX’s Starbase city officials silent on crane collapse

A crane collapsed on June 23 at SpaceX’s South Texas rocket launch facility, located within the newly incorporated city of Starbase, Texas. The crane was being used to clear debris from a recent SpaceX rocket explosion. Although footage of the collapse exists, it was filmed from a distance, leaving it unclear whether anyone was injured. SpaceX has not publicly acknowledged the incident or responded to media inquiries, continuing its pattern of limited transparency outside of spaceflight mishaps. Similarly, Starbase city officials—who are largely SpaceX employees and executives—have remained silent despite multiple requests for information, raising questions about the city’s willingness to be transparent given its financial dependence on SpaceX, including a recent $1.5 million loan from the company. Starbase was formally incorporated in May 2024, with SpaceX executives occupying key city government roles, including the mayor and commissioners. The city has recently taken steps to restrict access to the area at SpaceX’s request, citing safety concerns, and