SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, has filed a lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission, alleging political bias in blocking the company from launching more rockets from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara. The Air Force has proposed increasing the number of launches SpaceX can perform at the base from 36 to 50.
The lawsuit claims that the commission unfairly asserted regulatory powers over SpaceX launches based on members' disapproval of Musk's political views. Commissioners were quoted making statements about Musk injecting himself into the presidential race and spewing political falsehoods, which SpaceX argues demonstrates political bias.
Commissioner Mike Wilson noted the importance of SpaceX's Starlink communications network and expressed concerns about Musk's political influence. Commissioner Jason Cummings also raised concerns about the power Musk holds as the head of SpaceX.
SpaceX's lawsuit argues that the commission's decision to block the company from increasing launches at the base interferes with national security operations and violates the constitutional right to free speech. The company also contends that all of its launches, commercial or not, are connected to national security space launches, as it is one of only two providers for the National Security Space Launch program.
The California Coastal Commission has declined to comment on the lawsuit. SpaceX's legal action highlights the complex intersection of politics, business, and national security in the realm of commercial space launches. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for SpaceX's operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base and beyond.