Last mentioned: Mar 6, 2026
Supreme Court Review
The Texas Supreme Court takes up the case to provide a final ruling on constitutionality.
Supreme Court Hearing
Texas Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the constitutionality of the closures.
Supreme Court Hearing
The Texas Supreme Court hears oral arguments regarding the beach closure challenge.
Appeals Court Ruling
The 13th Court of Appeals reinstates the lawsuit after a lower court dismissal.
Lawsuit Filed
Save RGV and other groups sue the Texas GLO and SpaceX over beach closures.
Lawsuit Filed
Environmental groups and residents file suit challenging the constitutionality of beach closures.
Lawsuit Filed
Save RGV and other groups sue to challenge the legality of beach closures.
Starbase Groundbreaking
SpaceX breaks ground on its Boca Chica launch site.
Starbase Groundbreaking
SpaceX begins construction of the Boca Chica launch site.
Legislative Amendment
Texas Legislature passes HB 2623, allowing beach closures for space flight activities.
SB 985 Passed
Texas legislature passes a law allowing beach closures for spaceflight activities in Cameron County.
SB 458 Passed
Texas Legislature creates an exception for spaceflight activities to attract SpaceX.
Constitutional Amendment
Texas voters approve Proposition 9, enshrining beach access in the state constitution.
Open Beaches Amendment
Texas voters approve a constitutional amendment guaranteeing public access to state beaches.
Constitutional Amendment
Voters approve Proposition 9, enshrining beach access in the Texas Constitution.
Open Beaches Act
Texas passes legislation guaranteeing public access to all Gulf Coast beaches.
The Texas Supreme Court is deliberating a high-stakes challenge to the legality of beach closures surrounding SpaceX's Starbase facility. The case tests whether a 2013 state law allowing closures for spaceflight can override a constitutional amendment guaranteeing public access to Texas beaches.
The Texas Supreme Court is weighing a high-stakes challenge to the frequent closure of Boca Chica Beach for SpaceX operations. The case examines whether state statutes favoring the aerospace industry can legally override the Texas Constitution's guarantee of public beach access.
The Texas Supreme Court is reviewing a constitutional challenge to SpaceX's frequent closures of Boca Chica Beach for rocket testing. The case pits the Texas Open Beaches Act against the state's strategic interest in the burgeoning commercial space industry.