California Coastal Commission Settles with SpaceX Over Launch Approvals
The California Coastal Commission reached a settlement with SpaceX after citing political bias in denying launch increases. This resolution allows SpaceX to increase its launch frequency from Vandenberg Space Force Base without requiring state coastal permits.
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On March 29, 2026, the California Coastal Commission reached a settlement with SpaceX, allowing the company to increase launch frequencies from Vandenberg Space Force Base without state coastal permits. This decision follows a legal dispute initiated by SpaceX after the commission denied an increase in launches, citing political comments about CEO Elon Musk.
The commission acknowledged that these comments were irrelevant and issued an apology for the political bias displayed in its October 2024 decision. Following the settlement, the U.S. military approved an increase in launches from 36 to 100, further facilitating SpaceX's operations. The commission expressed ongoing concerns regarding coastal resource impacts, emphasizing the need for federal coordination on environmental assessments.
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