The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released a draft permit outlining SpaceX’s next phase of construction at its Starbase launch site near Boca Chica, Texas. The filing, identified as SWG-2012-00381, covers roughly 21 acres of additional development intended to support Starship operations. Key elements of the proposal include construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and a liquid methane (LCH4) generation facility, infrastructure that would allow SpaceX to produce and store rocket propellants on-site. The plans also call for replacing the current launch mount at Pad A—now labeled Pad 1—with a design that incorporates a flame trench, a feature meant to better deflect exhaust and protect ground hardware during liftoff. The Corps’ notice begins the federal review process; SpaceX will still need environmental clearance and additional local approvals before breaking ground. If authorized, the expansion would further consolidate the company’s production, testing and launch activities at Starbase as it prepares for future high-cadence Starship flights.