The suit, opens new tab, was submitted on Thursday in the federal court in Brownsville, Texas, alleging that properties were harmed during 11 SpaceX-led test flights conducted between April 2023 and October 2025.
“The execution of its Starship testing, launching, and landing activities has repeatedly exposed nearby areas to excessive amounts of acoustic energy, including noise, vibrations, and sonic booms,” the lawsuit stated.
SpaceX, the sole defendant, has not yet provided a comment. Neither have the attorneys representing the Texas residents, whose homes are located near SpaceX’s Starbase in Cameron County, Texas.
SpaceX has invested years in developing the South Texas coastal site into a vast industrial complex. The Starbase facility is intended to support high-volume rocket production. With a valuation of $1.75 trillion, SpaceX is gearing up for an initial public offering.
The lawsuit asserts that Starship produces over 16 million pounds of thrust, nearly double that of NASA’s modern Space Launch System. SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket are built to be a fully reusable transportation system, both towering at approximately 400 feet.
The complaint claims SpaceX did not sufficiently assess the impact of the flights on nearby residences and continued launching despite the likelihood of property damage. It also states that SpaceX has been aware of these risks but has proceeded with “conscious indifference to the rights, safety, or welfare of others, including plaintiffs.”
The case is Jazmin Aguilar et al v. Space Exploration Technologies, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, No. 1:26-cv-00485.
For plaintiffs: Benigno Martinez of Martinez & Tijerina; Francisco Guerra IV of Guerra; Richard Paul III of Paul; and Cristobal Galindo
For defendant: No appearance yet
