Alleged Launch License Violations Lead To Fines

The FAA has issued proposed civil penalties against SpaceX for allegedly failing to follow license requirements during two launches in 2023. The penalties are in line with guidelines set by statute, the agency said.

SpaceX submitted a request in May 2023 to the FAA to revise its communications plan to add a new launch control room in Hangar X and to remove the T-2 hour readiness poll from its procedure. On June 18, SpaceX conducted the launch of the PSN SATRIA mission using the unapproved launch control room and omitted the T-2 hour poll from the launch sequence.

Another request was submitted by SpaceX to revise its site plan for explosives related to use of a newly built propellant tank farm. That same month, SpaceX used the unapproved propellant tanks to launch the EchoStar XXIV/Jupiter mission.

The FAA proposes two penalties of $175,000 each for the two violations in May and a $289,000 penalty for the July launch.

Marc Nichols, FAA Chief Counsel stated, “Safety drives everything we do at the FAA, including a legal responsibility for the safety oversight of companies with commercial space transportation licenses. Failure of a company to comply with the safety requirements will result in consequences.”

Elon Musk, founder and owner of SpaceX, responded almost immediately on September 18, saying the fines are “regulatory overreach” and “lawfare.” He threatened to sue the FAA, alleging that the agency’s decision making is driven by partisan politics.

“I am highly confident that discovery will show improper, politically motivated behavior by the FAA,” Musk said in a tweet on the social platform X, which he also owns.

FMI:  www.faa.gov/newsroom/