SpaceX a company owned by Elon Musk took legal action against Californias Coastal Commission yesterday The space company filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Los Angeles accusing the commission of unfairly limiting its rocket launches due to political reasons
The dispute centers around SpaceXʼs Falcon 9 rocket program at Vandenberg Space Force Base The company has been launching rockets from this site for about 11 years. Last year they sent up 28 Falcon 9 rockets: however the Air Force suggested increasing yearly launches from 36 to 50
Six days ago the commission voted 6-4 to stop SpaceX from adding more launches Some members voiced worries about Musk as a business leader and how much of SpaceXʼs work at the base was for commercial rather than government purposes
The lawsuit claims the commission overstepped its bounds It argues that the panels decision was based on dislike of Musks political views not environmental concerns The space company wants the court to stop the agency from controlling its launch program
SpaceX says in its legal filing “Rarely has a government agency made so clear that it was exceeding its authorized mandate to punish a company for the political views and statements of its largest shareholder and CEO“
The case highlights the clash between Musks recent right-leaning politics and Californias largely Democratic leanings Musk has become a big supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump even saying hed take a job in Trumps administration if he wins
Meanwhile California home state of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris has been solidly Democratic for decades The state often backs Democratic candidates in national elections
The commission argues that commercial space launches arent federal government activities and must follow its coastal development rules SpaceX counters that the commissions actions violate free speech rights protected by the Constitution
As this legal battle unfolds it raises questions about the balance between environmental regulation commercial space exploration and political influence in government decisions The outcome could have far-reaching effects on the future of private space companies operating in California