Coastal Commission Blocks SpaceX’s Ambitious Launch Hike
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The California Coastal Commission has voted against SpaceX’s plan to significantly increase rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base, citing environmental concerns.
California Coastal Commission votes against SpaceX plan for increased rocket launches.
CALABASAS, Calif. – The California Coastal Commission delivered a blow to SpaceX on Thursday, unanimously voting against the company’s proposal to nearly double its annual rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The plan would have increased Falcon 9 launches from 50 to 95 per year.
This marks the second time the commission has opposed an expansion of SpaceX’s launch activities at the central California installation. Last October, commissioners expressed disapproval of a previous plan to increase launches from 36 to 50.
Despite the commission’s objections, the federal government retains the authority to approve SpaceX’s new plan. The Department of the Air Force, the parent agency of the Space Force, has argued that the proposed expansion constitutes a federal activity exempt from further state oversight.
Vandenberg Space Force Base, situated about 60 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, saw 51 rocket launches last year. A commission staff report indicated that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets accounted for 46 of those launches.
Broader Expansion and Environmental Worries
The rejected proposal also sought to allow up to five Falcon Heavy rocket launches annually and double the number of reusable booster landings to 24. It included plans for two new landing sites on the base and an increase in sea-based landings.
Commission staff recommended against the plan, citing insufficient information and significant concerns. These included potential noise pollution and disruptions to wildlife caused by more frequent and intense sonic booms.
Staff also highlighted the likelihood of more frequent closures for public beaches and campsites located within hazard zones around the base, impacting public access.
- California Coastal Commission voted 11-0 against SpaceX’s launch expansion plan.
- The proposal sought to increase Falcon 9 launches from 50 to 95 annually at Vandenberg.
- Concerns cited include noise pollution and wildlife impact.
- Federal government can still approve the plan despite state objections.
- SpaceX previously sued the commission over earlier objections.
Legal Battles and Future Prospects
Air Force officials were notably absent from the commission’s meeting on Thursday in Calabasas. Representatives for SpaceX and the Air Force did not immediately comment on the decision.
This is not the first legal confrontation between SpaceX and the commission. SpaceX has previously filed a lawsuit against the commission, alleging it faced more stringent regulations in retaliation for its political stances following the commission’s earlier objections.
The company has also pursued launch site expansions at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
What is the main reason for the California Coastal Commission’s rejection of SpaceX’s launch plan?
The commission cited insufficient information, concerns about noise pollution, and potential wildlife disruptions as reasons for rejecting SpaceX’s proposed launch expansion.
How many launches did SpaceX propose to increase at Vandenberg?
SpaceX proposed increasing annual Falcon 9 launches from 50 to 95.
Can the federal government still approve SpaceX’s plan?
Yes, the federal government can choose to ignore the commission’s objections and approve the proposed expansion.
What other expansion plans did SpaceX have for Vandenberg?
The plan also included up to five Falcon Heavy launches and 24 booster landings per year, along with new landing areas.
What environmental impacts did the commission staff highlight?
Staff mentioned concerns about noise pollution, wildlife disturbances from sonic booms, and more frequent closures of public beaches and campsites.
