California Coastal Commission Rejects SpaceX Launch Expansion Plan
The California Coastal Commission has rejected a proposal by SpaceX to nearly double its annual rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The plan would have increased the number of Falcon 9 launches from 50 to 95 each year.
State Pushback Faces Federal Override
Although the Commission voted unanimously against the expansion, the US government holds final authority. In a similar case last October, federal agencies overrode the state’s objections when SpaceX increased launches from 36 to 50 per year.
The US Department of the Air Force, which oversees the Space Force, maintains that launch operations are a federal matter and not subject to California’s oversight. This stance could once again override the Commission’s latest ruling.
Environmental and Public Access Concerns
Commission staff highlighted that out of 51 launches from Vandenberg last year, 46 were SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. Although some missions serve NASA and the Defence Department, most support SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.
The rejected plan included not just more Falcon 9 flights, but also five Falcon Heavy launches annually and up to 24 landings of reusable boosters—double the previously allowed number. It also proposed two new landing zones and more frequent at-sea landings.
Staff raised multiple concerns, including potential harm to wildlife and increased noise pollution caused by sonic booms. They also cited insufficient details in the proposal and warned about the effect of more frequent closures of public beaches and campgrounds near the base.
Legal Tensions and Broader Expansion
SpaceX did not attend the meeting and could not be reached for comment, nor could Air Force officials. SpaceX has previously sued the Commission over launch limits, claiming the agency is unfairly targeting the company because of Elon Musk’s political views.
Beyond California, SpaceX is also aiming to expand its operations at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Despite the Commission’s 11-0 vote, the future of the launch increase may still rest with federal authorities.
with inputs from Reuters