SpaceX plans to launch 90 rockets into space from Vandenberg Space Force Base by 2026, tripling the amount of sendoffs rattling nearby coastal communities. At the May 10 California Coastal Commission meeting, concerns were raised over wildlife endangerment, sonic booms, the impacts of launches on coastal access, and the power these federal allotments are giving to a single company.
SpaceX, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, is contracted by the Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct U.S. Space Force operations, and in recent hearings with the California Coastal Commission, the company has been requesting increases in their annual launches and an agreement on federal consistency. However, the commission has been reluctant.
“We are not anti-science, anti-research, or anti-weather balloons. We want to work collaboratively with the Department of Defense to achieve our collective mission, but we do have a statutory responsibility to protect this beautiful coast,” said Commissioner Kristina Kunkel. “I would encourage substantial increases in additional attention during this exponential increase in launches.”