News Summary

SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas reported worker injury rates significantly higher than the industry average, according to data reviewed by TechCrunch. The Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) at Starbase was 4.27 injuries per 100 workers in 2024, which is nearly six times higher than comparable space vehicle manufacturing sites. While SpaceX’s rapid progress with its Starship program is notable, the safety challenges at Starbase have raised concerns. Former OSHA chief of staff Debbie Berkowitz highlighted that these rates are indicative of serious safety issues that need addressing. Despite improvements from previous years, Starbase’s injury rates remain the highest among SpaceX’s facilities. The high TRIR at Starbase is a critical issue for SpaceX, especially considering NASA’s reliance on the Starship for future lunar missions. Although TRIR is not an automatic trigger for action under NASA contracts, it underscores the need for a robust safety culture.