Elon Musk’s SpaceX must operate at the “highest level of safety,” FAA chief Mike Whitaker said this week. With this, he justified the need to fine the aerospace company $633 thousand for violating the regulator’s rules during two rocket launches in 2023.
Image source: SpaceX
«They have been around for almost 20 years, and I believe that they should operate at the highest level of security, which includes having a security management system, as well as an information security program. They launched a rocket without permission,” Whitaker said at the events taking place these days hearings in the US House of Representatives, referring to SpaceX launches in June and July last year from the Cape Canaveral launch site in Florida. He also added that a large fine is the only way to force Musk’s company to comply with safety regulations properly.
SpaceX officials disputed Whitaker’s claims, calling every statement false. FAA representatives declined to comment on the matter. “SpaceX is the safest and most reliable space launch service provider in the world, and the company is committed to ensuring safety during all operations,” SpaceX said in a statement.
According to the FAA, Elon Musk’s company violated the regulator’s rules in the process of obtaining a license to launch a rocket in June 2023, when an Indonesian telecommunications satellite was sent into orbit. Whitaker also called the delay in issuing permission for the next test flight of the giant Super Heavy rocket with the Starship ship justified because SpaceX was unable to complete the analysis of sound emissions in a timely manner. The department noted that SpaceX is unlikely to receive permission to conduct the next Starship launch before the end of November.
Last week, Musk lashed out at the FAA after the agency announced it would fine the company $633,000. The billionaire said SpaceX was being punished “for petty issues that have nothing to do with safety, while real issues are being ignored.” safety problems at Boeing.” In a conversation with reporters, Whitaker said he had not seen Musk’s messages, but noted that all space companies should be treated equally. “I think Boeing and SpaceX should have the same oversight. Each company should have safety management systems. Every company should have information security programs,” says Whitaker.