Located about 22 miles East of Brownsville, Texas, SpaceX’s launch site, also known as “Gateway to Mars,” has taken over the Boca Chica shoreline in more ways than one. Between initial claims that Teslas cause less environmental damage and that Boca Chica would be left untouched, the surrounding public of the shoreline have grown tired of the SpaceX CEO’s greenwashing lies. The Gateway to Mars is ultimately damaging the environment one rocket at a time.
Humans have been damaging the environment and contributing to air pollution since the first caveperson lit a fire. The development of gas liquefaction in the 19th century only sped up the process and increased air pollution. Living in areas with high pollution rates can lead to severe consequences to both the health of humans and the health of the environment. Rockets, in particular, bring an array of problems involving pollution.
Industrial gases are essential when it comes to engine tests and rocket launches. Launch vehicles rely on cryogenic propellants which are liquified gases kept at very low temperatures that act as both fuel and oxidizers.
Each rocket that SpaceX launches emits approximately 200-300 tons of CO2, exceeding the amount emitted from airplanes. According to the NOAA, rockets release 1,000 tons of black carbon into the atmosphere annually as of 2022.
Determined to expand outside of this planet, Musk’s ambitions have proved to be detrimental to surrounding areas of nature. With frequent launches, the beach is losing its natural beauty and appeal to visitors in the process. There have also been reports concerning mercury being found in the water.
This accumulation of pollutants near human and environmental factors can lead to respiratory issues in animals, exacerbate climate change and harm local ecosystems, such as the Boca Chica coral reef.
A once family-friendly beach, Boca Chica is yet another coastal area in Texas that has had to suffer the harsh indignities that big businesses bring to the state. Locals are frustrated because not only is pollution threatening their day-to-day lives, but public access to the beach as a whole has been restricted thanks to SpaceX.
Residents near Boca Chica can control their diet, exercise and lifestyle, but they cannot control the amount of pollution that has been added to the area since the development of Musk’s company.
In light of this, coalitions, environmentalist groups and residents alike have made attempts to keep Musk from furthering the damage he has already done. Between efforts to block the land swaps Musk has made to build these corporations or filming documentaries on the subject in an effort to inform audiences and gain support, locals are determined to stop SpaceX from causing any more damage to their homes.
