The California Coastal Commission has officially rejected SpaceX’s proposal to expand rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base next year, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The decision, made during a meeting last Thursday, stemmed partly from concerns over CEO Elon Musk’s controversial social media presence and his recent political activities.
The Coastal Commission’s decision highlights ongoing tensions between ambitious aerospace initiatives and regulatory considerations, particularly in sensitive coastal regions.
SpaceX aimed to launch up to 50 rockets annually from the facility in northern Santa Barbara County, a plan that garnered support from both the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. These agencies had expressed commitment to finding solutions for the disruptive sonic booms associated with rocket launches, which can be heard across several counties.