The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed $633,009 in civil penalties against SpaceX for allegedly failing to comply with license requirements during two launches in 2023. The penalties are based on violations related to the company’s launch operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center.
“Safety drives everything we do at the FAA, including a legal responsibility for the safety oversight of companies with commercial space transportation licenses,” said FAA Chief Counsel Marc Nichols on Tuesday. “Failure of a company to comply with the safety requirements will result in consequences.”
In May 2023, SpaceX requested revisions to its communications plan, including adding a new launch control room at Hangar X and removing a readiness poll from its procedures. However, on June 18, 2023, SpaceX used the unapproved launch control room during the PSN SATRIA mission and did not conduct the required poll, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $350,000.
In a separate incident in July 2023, SpaceX requested a revision to its explosive site plan to reflect a newly constructed rocket propellant farm. Despite the pending approval, SpaceX used the unapproved site for the EchoStar XXIV/Jupiter mission on July 28, leading to an additional proposed penalty of $283,009.
SpaceX has 30 days to respond to the FAA’s enforcement letters. In response, Elon Musk stated, “SpaceX will be filing suit against the FAA for regulatory overreach.”
There seems to be a war brewing still between the FAA and SpaceX. Recently, SpaceX blasted the FAA for delaying its next Starship launch.
SpaceX argues that frequent Starship flights are crucial to refining the technology, but regulatory delays, particularly from the FAA, are slowing progress. The FAA recently postponed a Starship launch from mid-September to late November, citing additional environmental analyses not linked to new safety concerns.
Numerous regulatory hurdles, including disputes over permits for its water-cooled steel flame deflector and environmental assessments related to Starship’s impact on wildlife, have been tossed at the company.
SpaceX emphasizes its compliance with environmental regulations and highlights ongoing mitigation efforts, such as biological monitoring and partnerships with local conservation groups. SpaceX remains committed to its mission despite opposition, stating that advancing spaceflight is critical to making life multiplanetary.
