SpaceX settles lawsuit with state Coastal Commission over Vandenberg flights

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SpaceX and the California Coastal Commission have settled a lawsuit filed by Elon Musk’s rocket company over the agency’s attempt to regulate its flights from Vandenberg Space Force Base.The settlement was reached last week by the two sides, but the details won’t be made public until it is approved by Los Angeles U.S.District Court Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr.

The case would remain pending if the settlement is not accepted.SpaceX and the Coastal Commission did not respond to messages asking for comment.

Business The U.S.Space Force is seeking to expand the number of launches and attract aerospace companies in and around Vandenberg Space Force Base, where SpaceX launches already have riled up residents, state officials and environmentalists.The lawsuit was filed in 2024 after the agency that oversees the state’s coastal development denied a plan by the rocket company to sharply increase its launches from the Santa Barbara County facility.The rocket company has been launching its Starlink broadband satellites into space from the site, raising concerns about its effect on wildlife.Nearby residents also have complained of sonic booms created by the company’s Falcon 9 rocket.SpaceX contends that the state doesn’t have authority over its launches at the military base, and alleged political bias after several commissioners noted Musk’s politics, including his support of President Trump, during a hearing on the matter in 2024.“Mr.

Musk controls ‘one of the most extensive communications networks on the planet,’ and ...‘just last week’ Mr.

Musk was ‘speaking about political retribution on a national stage,’” was one comment cited by SpaceX in court papers.Blumenfeld dismissed the lawsuit in March 2025 but allowed SpaceX to amend and refile its complaint.Business The California Coastal Commission unanimously rejected SpaceX’s plan to nearly double rocket...