FAA Says SpaceX Needs To Operate At "Highest Level of Safety"

Elon Musk’s SpaceX must operate at the "highest level of safety," according to the head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who defended a proposed $633,000 fine against the company for violating agency rules ahead of two 2023 launches, David Shepardson reported for Reuters.

The FAA stated that SpaceX’s violations included a failure to secure approval to revise the communications plan associated with its license for a June 2023 rocket launch carrying an Indonesian telecommunications satellite. I Photo: Official SpaceX Photos Flickr

“They’ve been around for 20 years, and I think they need to operate at the highest level of safety, which includes adopting a safety management system program and having a whistleblower program,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said during a U.S. House hearing.

Whitaker referred to SpaceX launching rockets in June and July 2023 at Cape Canaveral, Florida, without the necessary permit. "It's the only tool we have to ensure compliance on safety matters."

The FAA stated that SpaceX’s violations included a failure to secure approval to revise the communications plan associated with its license for a June 2023 rocket launch carrying an Indonesian telecommunications satellite.

Whitaker also addressed the delay of the forthcoming Starship 5 launch, attributing it to SpaceX's failure to conduct a timely sonic boom analysis.

The FAA announced earlier this month that it did not expect a decision on the launch license until late November. Whitaker explained that SpaceX had failed to disclose violations of Texas and federal law, which is a requirement for obtaining a permit.