Trying To Prevent Coastal Commission From Reducing Flights

Elon Musk followed through on his promise and sued the California Coastal Commission after it rejected a proposal that would have increased the number of Falcon 9 launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The increase in launches are intended to deploy more Starlink satellites for public internet service as well as Starshield satellites for the U.S. national security internet system. In August a bipartisan group of members of Congress sent a letter to the Commission in support of the proposal.

However, some Commission members voted to deny the plan while citing Musk’s vocal support of Donald Trump and criticism of federal agencies including FEMA, FAA, and FCC. In response, Musk vowed to sue the Commission for using his political comments as grounds for denial, saying that doing so violates his First Amendment right to free speech. He also said that his comments have nothing to do with SpaceX launches or the Coastal Commission.

Musk’s lawsuit was filed in a U.S. District Court in California and accuses the Commission of “showing overt, and shocking, political bias,” as it cited comments by officials during the vote to deny the proposal.

The lawsuit also says, “The Commission’s decision interferes with the operations of the national space launch program conducted at a US Air Force base.”

Despite the Coastal Commission’s action, the U.S. military might intervene and override the vote. This may force the Commission to pursue mediation or a lawsuit.

FMI:  www.spacex.com/