SpaceX calls out FAA’s ‘deeply concerning’ statements in front of Congress

SpaceX called out Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator Mike Whitaker for making “several incorrect” and “deeply concerning” statements in front of Congress yesterday relating to licensing challenges the aerospace company has had with the agency.

SpaceX and the FAA have had a strange relationship, which has been highlighted as of late. Several communications from SpaceX have detailed opinions regarding a lack of urgency for licensing its upcoming Starship missions and fines that were handed out to the company last week.

The fines were related to alleged violations that occurred during launches in 2023.

SpaceX hits back at FAA in scathing new letter, claiming fines were retaliation

FAA administrator Whitaker appeared in front of Congress yesterday, specifically the aviation subcommittee of the House Transportation Committee, to be asked about several of the issues at hand.

Rep. Kevin Kiley, a Republican from California, asked Whitaker about the over $633,000 in fines related to two Summer 2023 launches.

Whitaker responded:

“I think safety is in the public interest and that’s our primary focus. It’s the only tool we have to get compliance on safety matters.”

Whitaker went on to claim that SpaceX launched without a permit from the FAA, a claim the company fiercely rebutted yesterday:

“That is false–SpaceX was fully licensed to launch the Falcon missions for which the FAA has, incorrectly, alleged non-compliances. FAA has not alleged SpaceX was not ‘permitted’ or not ‘licensed’ to launch these missions. SpaceX receives FAA licensing for all missions subject to the Commercial Space Launch Act.”

On a separate note, Starship has been ready to launch since August, but the FAA told the company that the earliest estimated approval would be sometime in November.

This would be Starship’s fifth test flight, but SpaceX has already started preparing the sixth flight in hopes that it can quickly launch the two, perhaps in a short time frame.

It doesn’t seem far-fetched, especially considering the delays to the fifth test flight.

Whitaker said regarding the Starship delay:

“[It] had to do with SpaceX filing an application and not disclosing they were in violation of Texas and federal law on some matters, and that’s a requirement to get a permit.”

He also defended the two-month delay:

“I think the two-month delay is necessary to comply with the launch requirements and I think that’s an important part of the safety culture.”

Whitaker also said there were delays in the sonic boom analysis after returning the Super Heavy booster. He claims SpaceX “failed to provide an updated sonic boom analysis.” SpaceX replied:

“SpaceX recently provided FAA data showing a slightly larger sonic boom area. Despite the slightly larger area, there is no new environmental impact. Nevertheless, FAA entered a new environmental consultation with Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which could result in a two-month delay. This is a paperwork exercise that could be swiftly addressed between agencies as a minor paperwork update.”

The full letter is available below:

FAA Administrator Whitaker made several incorrect statements today regarding SpaceX. In fact, every statement he made was incorrect.

It is deeply concerning that the Administrator does not appear to have accurate information immediately available to him with respect to SpaceX… pic.twitter.com/OrtMUvnCNI

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 24, 2024

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