SpaceX, Elon Musk’s company, is facing a new conflict with regulatory authorities. The California Coastal Commission has become the latest regulatory body to challenge SpaceX, rejecting the company’s request to increase Falcon 9 rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County from 36 to 50. The reason for the denial cited Musk’s “unacceptable” activity on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Even the U.S. military, which filed the request on behalf of SpaceX, was reportedly surprised by the decision. Musk expressed his frustration on X, calling the decision “incredibly inappropriate” and arguing that his social media activity has nothing to do with the California Coastal Commission. He also vowed to sue the Commission, which he did shortly after (on the first working day after the weekend).
In its lawsuit, SpaceX argued that its collaboration with the U.S. Space Force on Falcon 9 launches should be treated as part of federal programs, potentially exempting SpaceX from California Coastal Commission oversight when expanding its launch operations. The Commission, however, has internally ruled that SpaceX primarily serves its commercial interests (such as Starlink deployment) and is only marginally connected to federal programs.
The Commission voted six to four against increasing the number of Falcon 9 launches from 36 to 50 this year. In post-vote comments, some of those opposed cited Musk’s inappropriate public behavior, safety concerns within the company, and environmental issues affecting California’s beaches as reasons for their decision.