SpaceX Faces $633,000 in Fines for Alleged Safety Violations During Florida Launches, FAA Says
SpaceX is facing civil penalties totaling $633,000 for alleged safety violations during two launches in Florida last year, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA announced on Tuesday that the proposed fines stem from SpaceX’s alleged failure to comply with key licensing requirements. In June 2023, during a satellite launch, SpaceX reportedly used a new launch control room without securing prior approval and did not conduct the mandatory readiness poll two hours before the launch, as required by FAA regulations.
Just a month later, SpaceX launched another communication satellite, this time utilizing a new rocket fuel facility that had not yet received federal approval, the FAA added.
“Safety drives everything we do at the FAA,” said Marc Nichols, an FAA official, in a statement. “Failure of a company to comply with the safety requirements will result in consequences.”
SpaceX has 30 days to respond to the FAA’s proposed penalties. The company has yet to issue a public comment on the matter.
This article is based on a report from the Associated Press.
