In the shadow of innovation, a community is raising its voice.

We traveled to Boca Chica, Texas — a small town now known around the world as the home of Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starbase. But beyond the rockets and the headlines, we found locals concerned not about the future of space travel — but about the future of their health, homes, and environment.

 A Town Transformed

Once a quiet coastal community, Boca Chica has been radically changed since SpaceX began building and testing its massive Starship rockets. The surrounding area — once valued for its biodiversity and protected wetlands — now bears the marks of industrial expansion: blocked public roads, frequent explosions, and concerns about air, noise, and water pollution.

Longtime residents say their town has become a testing ground — not just for rockets, but for how much disruption a corporation can bring to a communit

 “It Feels Like We’re Living in a War Zone”

During our visit, locals described the ground shaking beneath them during launches. Burn marks scar the land near the launch pad. A local schoolteacher told us:

“It’s not just noise. It’s the chemicals. The dust. We don’t know what we’re breathing in anymore.”

Residents reported headaches, respiratory issues, and declining property values. Some claim they’ve been pressured to sell their homes or simply feel unwelcome in the place they’ve lived for decades.

Environmental Concerns Mount

Environmental groups have accused SpaceX of endangering a fragile ecosystem, home to endangered species and protected habitats. After a particularly explosive test in 2023, debris was scattered over miles of nearby land, prompting investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and environmental regulators.

SpaceX has been fined but allowed to continue operating — a fact that frustrates many in the community.

 What Are They Breathing?

One of the biggest concerns is air quality. Rocket launches release large amounts of carbon dioxide, soot, and potential chemical byproducts like nitrogen oxides and aluminum particles. Locals are asking: What are we inhaling? And is anyone truly measuring it?

The answer? Limited independent testing. Most data comes from SpaceX or government agencies with economic ties to the project. Critics argue that accountability is lacking, and transparency is minimal.

 Musk’s Vision vs. Reality

Elon Musk has spoken of creating a city around Starbase and turning Boca Chica into a hub for interplanetary exploration. But to many who live there, the dream of Mars feels distant compared to the very real problems on Earth.

“We’re not against space. We’re against being collateral damage,” one resident told us.

What Happens Next?

There is no clear roadmap. Lawsuits have been filed. Some residents have left. Others stay, organizing and documenting what they call an “environmental injustice” unfolding in real time.

The question remains: How far can a private company go in the name of progress — and who pays the price when they do?