California rejects SpaceX proposal for 100 annual rocket launches

CALIFORNIA – The California Coastal Commission objected, August 14, to the Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) proposal to increase SpaceX rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) from 50 to up to 100 per year.

This includes up to five Falcon Heavy missions and doubling first-stage booster landings.

Expanded facilities at SLC-6, new landing zones, and additional beach closures to protect public safety, which were part of the proposal, were also denied.

The staff report notes the proposed project raises the question of whether SpaceX launches qualify as a “federal agency activity” under the Coastal Zone Management Act, affecting the Commission’s review authority.

It also raises concerns about the impacts of increased launches on coastal species and habitats exposed to higher noise levels and strong sonic boom pressure.

Launches support SpaceX’s recent $400 billion valuation

According to the staff report, DAF has characterized SpaceX launch activities – including those associated with the proposed increase – as a “federal agency activity.” This refers to an action carried out directly by a U.S. government agency, or on its behalf, as part of its official duties.

“The purpose of the Proposed Action is to increase the space launch mission capability of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) … while promoting a robust and competitive national space industry,” said DAF.

However, the Commission found that the proposed SpaceX launches appear to support its commercial Starlink network, not a federal agency activity.

“Each rocket launch can place approximately 21 Starlink satellites into Earth orbit. This network, or “satellite constellation,” is now comprised of several thousand individual satellites that provide internet across the globe … the revenues from which do not flow into any federal agency,” according to the staff report.

The report noted that the primary purpose of the launches is to build and maintain Starlink, supporting SpaceX’s recent $400 billion valuation.

Proposal requires up to 29 closures of public beaches per year

Commission staff said that although the SpaceX complex is on VSFB property, the rockets’ impacts extend beyond the base into the coastal zone.

For example, sonic booms from SpaceX launches can expose large areas of California’s coast and islands to loud blasts and overpressure, disturbing marine mammals and other wildlife.

“In addition, the public safety zones implemented during rocket launches such as those proposed in the current project would extend outside of VSFB and would result in up to 12 closures and evacuations per year of public beaches and campgrounds at Jalama Beach County Park and up to 17 closures per year at Ocean Beach and Surf Beach,” said the staff report.

They said these closures and evacuations would adversely affect public beach access and recreation within the coastal zone.

Further, the proposed at-sea landings require transporting rocket stages by barge from Baja California to Long Beach and Vandenberg, affecting areas both inside and outside federal property within the coastal zone.

The Commission has the authority to review SpaceX launch and landing activities because they create direct and spillover effects within the coastal zone.

Objection prevents launches to proceed under state law

Due to insufficient environmental assessments and limited input from key agencies – including the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Federal Aviation Administration, the Commission objected to the proposal.

This prevents it from proceeding under state law.

Unless federal authorities override the Commission’s denial – which they may attempt, SpaceX must remain capped at previously approved operations.