The California Coastal Commission unanimously opposed SpaceX's plan to increase annual rocket launches from 50 to 95 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, citing environmental impacts. Concerns over sonic booms affecting people, wildlife, and property were highlighted. The commission contends most launches serve commercial purposes rather than government objectives. SpaceX holds numerous contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, but regulatory staff argue the primary goal is expanding its telecommunications network. The implications of the commission's decision on future launches remain uncertain.
"The sonic booms and their impacts on California's people, wildlife and property are extremely concerning," Commissioner Linda Escalante said at a hearing Thursday in Calabasas. "The negative impacts on public access, natural resources and environmental health warrant our scrutiny under California as a standard of review."
A staff report emphasized that SpaceX now 'owns significantly more satellites than the combined total owned by every country and every other company in the world,' supporting the company's recent $400-billion valuation.
The commission argues that the majority of launches serve commercial rather than government purposes. SpaceX has contracts with U.S. Department of Defense to launch spy satellites.
Commission staff argued the primary purpose of the launches is to expand SpaceX's commercial telecommunications network rather than serve federal agencies.
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