Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a fine of over $630,000 for SpaceX, citing regulatory breaches during two of the company's launches last year. The penalties are for alleged non-compliance with safety regulations.
While SpaceX faces scrutiny, Boeing has not yet been penalized for its recent issue of stranding two astronauts in space. This incident highlights ongoing discussions about regulatory actions in the aerospace industry and the lobbying power behind it.
The FAA's first cited violation involves the PSN SATRIA mission, which launched an Indonesian satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on June 18, 2023. SpaceX is accused of proceeding with launch revisions without FAA approval, leading to a proposed fine of $175,000 for each of two infractions.
The second violation pertains to the Jupiter 3 satellite launch on July 28, 2023, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. SpaceX allegedly used an unapproved propellant farm, resulting in a proposed $283,009 fine. This brings the total proposed fine for the two incidents to $633,009.
SpaceX has been given 30 days to respond to the FAA's enforcement letters. Company founder Elon Musk has announced plans to sue the FAA, accusing the agency of regulatory overreach and highlighting frustrations with the regulatory process.
SpaceX has openly criticized the regulatory framework for space launches. The company argues that excessive bureaucracy delays necessary approvals, which threatens the United States' leadership in space exploration.
SpaceX has also faced delays with its Starship vehicle, crucial for future missions to the moon and Mars. The FAA is still reviewing modifications to Starship's configuration, with a decision not expected until late November.
FAA Chief Counsel Marc Nichols reiterated the agency's commitment to safety oversight. He emphasized that companies must adhere to safety regulations and that non-compliance will result in consequences. The FAA's actions against SpaceX underscore the agency's focus on regulatory compliance while broader industry issues, such as Boeing's astronaut stranding, remain under review.