SpaceX rejects FAA fine, claims politically motivated, threatens to sue

From Investing.com: 2024-09-19 21:41:11

SpaceX rejects $633,000 FAA fine for alleged launch violations in Florida. Elon Musk calls fines politically motivated and threatens to sue. Musk criticizes FAA for targeting SpaceX over trivial matters, while overlooking safety issues at Boeing. FAA has yet to respond to Musk’s allegations. SpaceX has 30 days to respond to FAA.

FAA claims SpaceX failed to obtain approval for communication plan changes before June and July 2023 launches. SpaceX argues changes didn’t require regulatory approval and were made in a timely manner. FAA also faulted SpaceX for using unapproved propellant tanks before July launch. SpaceX says tanks were subsequently approved and deemed safe.

In the past, FAA proposed $175,000 fine against SpaceX for not submitting safety data prior to an August 2022 launch. SpaceX paid the fine. FAA required SpaceX to implement corrective measures following April 2023 Starship test launch. Elon Musk endorsed by Republican presidential candidate Trump.



Read more at Investing.com: SpaceX ‘forcefully rejects’ FAA conclusion it violated launch requirements By Reuters