The SpaceX deal to create a manufacturing site on Terminal Island in the Port of Los Angeles is off, Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino has announced, dealing a setback to the goal of creating a “Silicon Harbor” in San Pedro.
SpaceX issued this statement about the decision that was announced by Buscaino in two pre-dawn tweets Wednesday, Jan. 16: “To streamline operations, SpaceX is developing and will test the Starship test vehicle at our site in South Texas. This decision does not impact our current manufacture, design, and launch operations in Hawthorne and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Additionally, SpaceX will continue recovery operations of our reusable Falcon rockets and Dragon spacecraft at the Port of Los Angeles.”
Port spokesman Phillip Sanfield issued this written statement: “While we are disappointed that SpaceX will not be expanding their operations at the Port of Los Angeles, we are pleased that they will continue their recovery operations here. Our ongoing work with Space X and other advanced technology companies is important to our efforts to advance the port through innovation and new technologies.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
While I feel crushed about #SpaceX pulling the #SuperHeavy out of the @PortofLA, I feel confident that other innovators will see the huge value they get in San Pedro. (1/2)
— Joe Buscaino (@JoeBuscaino) January 16, 2019
We are well on our way toward creating an innovation district and #SiliconHarbor where you can take a water taxi or a @Bird or @Lime scooter to work. @ElonMusk saw the value, others will too. (2-2)
— Joe Buscaino (@JoeBuscaino) January 16, 2019
Source: “Los Angeles” – Google News