FAA Looking to Fine SpaceX $175000 For Failing To Submit Pre-Flight Information

SpaceX is facing a potential civil penalty of $175,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to a proposal put forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation for failing to submit required pre-flight data to the agency.

In a press release, the FAA says they are proposing a $175,000 civil penalty towards SpaceX due to the company failing to submit required analysis on orbital collosions during a routine Starlink launch last year.

The mission in question is Starlink Group 4-27 which launched from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on August 19th last year with a batch of 53 Starlink internet satellites.

SpaceX, and all orbital launch providers alike are required to perform an analysis of potential space debris which could cause harm to the launcher or payload(s). With space becoming more and more congested as we grow our network of communications and scientific research on orbit, such analysis proves itself vital. SpaceX failed to conduct, or at least submit such report to the FAA. The FAA requires the information be submitted at least 7 days prior to the targeted launch date, per federal regulations.

When asked about previous occasions where data was not provided, the FAA says this is the first case of the agency filing a civil penalty with a launch provider. However, in 2020, SpaceX launched their suborbital Starship SN8 vehicle without a launch licence from the FAA and were grounded while the FAA conducted an investigation, but that did not result in a penalty.

The agency says SpaceX has 30 days to respond to the FAA's enforcement letter. If the company fails to do so "it [SpaceX] will have no further right to participate in the informal procedures", which means the case would switch from a civil to criminal case with legal consequences for SpaceX.