SpaceX intends to significantly increase rocket launches from California's coast, a move likely to face opposition from a state regulatory body.
SpaceX's Ambitious Launch Plan Faces Opposition from California Coastal Commission
SpaceX, the private aerospace manufacturer, is aiming to significantly increase rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, with plans to conduct up to 95 launches per year, more than doubling the current rate[1][2]. This expansion also includes doubling the number of rocket landing events at the base and up to 76 at-sea landings near Baja California, Mexico[1].
However, this ambitious plan is facing opposition from the California Coastal Commission, a state agency tasked with protecting California's 1,100 miles of coastland[3]. The commission has expressed concerns about the impact of the increased launches on coastal wildlife and nearby residents, particularly the potential for startling sonic booms generated by the launches[2][4].
The commission has questioned whether SpaceX and the U.S. Space Force are circumventing the permitting process, as most launches are for private purposes rather than federal missions[2]. In 2022, there were 51 rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base, with 46 of them being conducted by SpaceX[6]. A previous staff report from the commission stated that 87% of SpaceX launches from Vandenberg weren't carrying equipment or conducting missions for government agencies, but were carrying equipment for Starlink[7].
SpaceX's plan includes 12 first-stage booster landings and five Falcon Heavy missions, each with two boosters landing simultaneously at the base[1]. Despite the ongoing legal and regulatory disputes, there has been little progress or communication from Vandenberg Space Force Base addressing the commission’s concerns[1]. The conflict has not yet halted SpaceX or the U.S. Space Force’s plans to increase launch frequency and landings at the base, with launches continuing as scheduled, including recent SpaceX Falcon 9 launches carrying Starlink satellites[1][3].
The dispute between SpaceX and the commission has a political tone, with military officials arguing that all launches from the base benefit the readiness of the country[5]. On the other hand, Mexican scientists have expressed concerns about debris from exploding SpaceX rockets killing wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and fish[8].
As the California Coastal Commission considers SpaceX's plan, the future of the ambitious launch schedule remains uncertain. The commission will need to balance the economic benefits of increased space activity with the environmental and safety concerns raised by the proposed expansion.
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/spacex-wants-increase-rocket-launches-vandenberg-space-force-base-2023-03-30/ [2] https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-03-30/spacex-wants-to-increase-rocket-launches-at-vandenberg-air-force-base-but-the-california-coastal-commission-isnt-happy [3] https://coastal.ca.gov/ [4] https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-03-30/spacex-wants-to-increase-rocket-launches-at-vandenberg-air-force-base-but-the-california-coastal-commission-isnt-happy [5] https://www.space.com/spacex-space-force-coastal-commission-dispute-california [6] https://www.space.com/spacex-space-force-coastal-commission-dispute-california [7] https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-03-30/spacex-wants-to-increase-rocket-launches-at-vandenberg-air-force-base-but-the-california-coastal-commission-isnt-happy [8] https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-03-30/spacex-wants-to-increase-rocket-launches-at-vandenberg-air-force-base-but-the-california-coastal-commission-isnt-happy
- The government agency responsible for protecting California's coast, the California Coastal Commission, has expressed concerns about SpaceX's plan to increase rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- Businesses in Los Angeles and California's finance sector are potentially affected by this dispute, as the future of SpaceX's ambitious launch schedule remains uncertain.
- Science and technology communities, both locally and nationally, are following the tussle between SpaceX and the commission, with Mexican scientists airing concerns about debris from exploding SpaceX rockets impacting marine life.
- Politics have seeped into the fracas, with military officials asserting that all launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base benefit the nation's readiness, while the commission grapples with addressing coastal wildlife and nearby residents' concerns.
- General news outlets have been reporting on the ongoing legal and regulatory disputes between SpaceX and the California Coastal Commission, shedding light on the proposed increase in rocket launches and landings at the base.
- The future of SpaceX's plan, which includes setting up scores of launches and rocket landing events, hinges on the commission's consideration, as they need to weigh the economic benefits of increased space activity against the environmental and safety concerns raised by the accelerated launch schedule.
