The commission cites Elon Musk’s controversial political statements on social media during its rejection of expanding rocket launches|Wcamp9|CC BY 4.0
Elon Musk’s SpaceX filed a lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission, accusing it of political discrimination after the commission voted to block additional rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The commission recently rejected the US Space Force’s request to increase SpaceX’s annual launches of Falcon 9 from 36 to 50. It voted 6 to 4 against the plan.
Commissioner Gretchen Newsom criticized Elon Musk’s controversial comments about the election and accused him of spreading misinformation about Hurricane Helene on social media.
In a 284-page lawsuit, SpaceX claims the state agency overstepped its authority and is punishing the “company for the political views and statements of its largest shareholder and CEO,” violating Musk’s right to free speech.
SpaceX argues that its launches fall under federal regulation and seeks a ruling to confirm this, along with monetary damages.