US Space Force Increases Starlink Launches at Vandenberg Base Despite California Commission Rejection
The California Coastal Commission has once again denied a proposal to increase Starlink satellite launches from a local base, but it appears SpaceX and the US military are undeterred.
On Thursday, the commission unanimously rejected a request by the US Space Force to increase Falcon 9 launches from 36 to 100 per year at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This decision comes almost a year after the commission turned down an earlier proposal to increase launches to 50, citing concerns over SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s controversial politics and business practices. In response, Musk sued for alleged political discrimination.
In Thursday’s hearing, neither SpaceX nor US Space Force representatives were present, likely because the military classified Falcon 9 launches as a federal activity. The launches at Vandenberg base have involved both Starlink and Starshield, a military-grade version of satellite internet service.
The Department of the Air Force has since given SpaceX the go-ahead to increase Falcon 9 launches to 50, citing minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the US military has initiated its own process to increase Falcon 9 launches at Vandenberg to 100 per year. Although the Air Force is seeking public input for a final decision this fall, the process bypasses the California Coastal Commission.
During the hearing, concerns were raised about the noise and sonic booms from increased launches and potential impact on marine and coastal wildlife. Vice Chair Commissioner Caryl Hart stated, “There are a number of unanswered questions that make it really quite impossible for us to engage.” She further noted the lack of appearance by the US Air Force, US Space Force, or SpaceX to address these concerns.
The commission’s report also questioned the US Space Force classifying Falcon 9 launches as federal activity, suggesting that only a small fraction of the total flights were meant to serve Department of Defense contracts. Local Californians expressed fears about noise levels and impacts on wildlife during the hearing.
Commissioner Christopher Lopez acknowledged the benefits of Starlink in supplying broadband during disasters or outages. However, he also expressed a desire for continued dialogue and cooperation between the commission and SpaceX moving forward.
SpaceX and the US Space Force have yet to respond to a request for comment. It remains to be seen how this latest decision by the California Coastal Commission will impact future satellite launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
