Los Angeles, October 13: Elon Musk's SpaceX recently got FAA approval for Starship's fifth flight, and the sixth flight is expected to get approval in coming months. However, amid this news, a report mentioned that California rejected a bid for more SpaceX rocket launches over environmental concerns. This year, SpaceX launched several rockets into orbit, which reportedly impacted the environment.

The New York Times reported that the California Coastal Commission on Thursday denied the bid in a 6-4 vote for allowing SpaceX to launch more rockets. The state commission also pointed to its previous requests for the military and SpaceX to reduce the rocket's 'sonic booms'. It also asked them to examine the operational impacts on the state's wildlife closely. Elon Musk’s Starlink Delivers Over 10,000 Kits to Affected Areas by Hurricane Helene, Gets Approval for Special Coverage Authority Ahead of Hurricane Milton.

The California Coastal Commission also rejected the military and SpaceX's justification that the launches were part of 'federal activity' as they benefitted SpaceX and its private business operations. The commission decided to reject more SpaceX launches as it previously approved launches without understanding the effects of sonic booms on wildlife. 

The report said that the California state commission previously approved 36 SpaceX launches, an increasing number. The Coastal Commission is an appellate authority that protects, preserves, restores and enhances the state's coastal resources. The report mentioned that Elon Musk's aerospace company grew to dominate the space launch business. Elon Musk’s X Reaches Agreement With Unilever, Drops Company From Advertiser Boycott Lawsuit.

SpaceX has been the primary provider for NASA and Pentagone and has launched its own commercial satellites into space from across the country. SpaceX's Starship 5 launch is set to be at 8 AM EDT (around 5:30 PM IST). The report said that SpaceX conducted several missions at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County and many times for the Space Force. 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2024 11:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).