SpaceX ‘forcefully rejects’ FAA conclusion it violated launch requirements

In a sharp rebuke, SpaceX has firmly rejected the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) conclusion that the company violated launch regulations during two rocket launches in June and July 2023. The FAA has proposed fines totaling $633,000, accusing SpaceX of failing to obtain proper approvals for launch procedures and equipment modifications.

Elon Musk swiftly responded, accusing the FAA of political bias, calling the fines trivial and highlighting what he sees as a double standard. Musk pointed to Boeing’s technical struggles with its Starliner spacecraft, questioning why the FAA hasn’t penalized the aerospace giant for issues that he believes pose more serious risks.

SpaceX’s legal team expanded on Musk’s assertions, emphasizing that the FAA’s enforcement actions are misplaced and that the agency is struggling to adapt to the fast-paced developments in the commercial spaceflight industry. They argue that the alleged violations were minor and did not affect safety, and noted that some actions the FAA criticized were later approved for subsequent launches.

Musk’s criticisms reflect a broader frustration with federal regulators, as he believes excessive oversight hampers innovation. SpaceX has 30 days to formally respond to the FAA’s charges, signaling that the battle between the aerospace company and regulators is far from over.