Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, is quietly developing one of his boldest ventures yet: a multi-billion dollar space-focused city that could become humanity’s first real step toward living beyond Earth.

The idea of a “SpaceX City” is no longer just science fiction. According to recent reports and statements from Musk, plans are underway to transform the area surrounding SpaceX’s Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas, into a futuristic urban hub. This city would serve as a base for research, spacecraft development, and space missions — while also housing thousands of engineers, scientists, and space industry workers.

Musk has previously expressed his vision to turn Starbase into a semi-autonomous, high-tech community built from the ground up. The city would be powered by renewable energy, feature advanced infrastructure, autonomous transportation, and potentially experiment with entirely new governance models. “Building a city from scratch allows us to reimagine how we live,” Musk once said.

The cost of developing such a city could soar into the billions, with much of the funding coming directly from SpaceX and possibly from private investment partnerships. While there is no official timeline for completion, early steps are reportedly already underway — including land acquisitions, infrastructure expansion, and the testing of sustainable housing technologies.

Importantly, Musk sees this city as more than just a support hub for Earth-based operations. In his long-term vision, it will serve as a prototype for settlements on Mars — SpaceX’s ultimate goal. “If we can’t build a functioning city here on Earth to support space travel, we won’t be ready to build one on Mars,” Musk has stated.

Still, the project is not without controversy. Environmental groups and local residents have raised concerns over land use, ecological impact, and the increasing privatization of public resources. Critics worry about the implications of a privately controlled city dominated by a single tech billionaire.

Yet, despite the challenges, Musk’s vision is moving forward — reflecting his trademark blend of ambition, risk-taking, and belief in a future shaped by human innovation and exploration.