SpaceX's launch facility in Texas becomes official city

The home of Elon Musk's SpaceX in the southern part of the US state of Texas has become an official city. A referendum was held on Saturday to decide whether to approve the area in Cameron County as a new city. Results show 212 votes in favor and six against.  

The new city has taken on the Starbase name. Musk wrote on social media, "Starbase, Texas Is now a real city!" A senior SpaceX official has been elected the city's first mayor. Company officials have reportedly told lawmakers that granting the city the authority to close a nearby beach for safety reasons when rockets are launched would streamline operations.