Starbase, Texas — The transformation of the Rio Grande Valley from a quiet coastal region to a central hub of the U.S. military-industrial base was solidified Monday as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited SpaceX’s Starbase facility. Accompanied by Elon Musk and Senator John Cornyn, Hegseth outlined a vision where commercial innovation drives national security, backed by a confirmed $740 million federal infusion for defense-related work at SpaceX.
"There is nothing like this in America. There is nothing like this in the world," Hegseth stated regarding the Starbase launch site.
While the Secretary focused on national defense, new data highlights the profound economic shift occurring locally. Once frequently cited as one of the poorest regions in the nation per capita, Cameron County is seeing a rapid industrialization.
According to recent economic analyses, SpaceX’s operations now support approximately 24,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region. The physical footprint of the company continues to expand as well, with the construction of "Gigabay," a massive manufacturing facility designed to produce Starship rockets at scale.
The partnership signals a long term integration of private spaceflight and military capability. Musk closed the event by reiterating his broader goals, stating that the technology developed at Starbase is intended to "make Star Trek real," eventually allowing humanity to travel to other star systems.
For the Rio Grande Valley, the visit confirms that Starbase is no longer a temporary experiment, but a federally backed pillar of U.S. defense strategy.
"There is nothing like this in America. There is nothing like this in the world," Hegseth stated regarding the Starbase launch site.
While the Secretary focused on national defense, new data highlights the profound economic shift occurring locally. Once frequently cited as one of the poorest regions in the nation per capita, Cameron County is seeing a rapid industrialization.
According to recent economic analyses, SpaceX’s operations now support approximately 24,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region. The physical footprint of the company continues to expand as well, with the construction of "Gigabay," a massive manufacturing facility designed to produce Starship rockets at scale.
The partnership signals a long term integration of private spaceflight and military capability. Musk closed the event by reiterating his broader goals, stating that the technology developed at Starbase is intended to "make Star Trek real," eventually allowing humanity to travel to other star systems.
For the Rio Grande Valley, the visit confirms that Starbase is no longer a temporary experiment, but a federally backed pillar of U.S. defense strategy.
6 hours ago
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