SpaceX Sues California Regulator Over Launches

Elon Musk‘s aerospace company, SpaceX, has initiated legal action against a California regulatory body, accusing it of political discrimination following a decision to restrict the company’s launch activities on the state’s central coast.

The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, claims that the California Coastal Commission violated Musk’s right to free speech. SpaceX contends that the Commission exceeded its authority when it denied additional launch permits, allegedly influenced by Musk’s controversial comments on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The Commission is tasked with the development and environmental protection of California’s coastline.

Uncertainty remains regarding the Commission’s capacity to block SpaceX’s project. The US Air Force had initially recommended an increase in Falcon 9 rocket launches. However, this scenario underscores how Musk’s public persona may impact his business ventures.

The US Space Force had proposed in September allowing SpaceX to increase its annual launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base from 36 to 50. This military installation is located near Santa Barbara, California, and is used by SpaceX for commercial deployments of its Starlink satellites. The California Coastal Commission, however, voted against this plan with a 6 to 4 decision on October 10.

At the meeting, the Commission reportedly raised issues unrelated to coastal effects, according to SpaceX’s complaint submitted to the California Central District Court. Among the concerns discussed were SpaceX’s employment practices and the implications of Musk’s Starlink program.

The complaint details statements made by Commission members, including Commissioner Mike Wilson, who noted the extensive reach of Musk’s communication network and referenced his remarks on a national stage about political retribution. Commissioner Gretchen Newsom highlighted Musk’s political statements and criticisms of federal disaster responses.

SpaceX described the Commission’s actions as “overt, and shocking, political bias” and seeks a judicial confirmation that the base’s rocket launches are under federal jurisdiction, not state authorities like the Coastal Commission. The company also seeks financial reparations.

Joshua Smith, a spokesperson for the California Coastal Commission, informed CNN that the agency would not comment on ongoing litigation.