FAA Proposes $633,000 Fine Against SpaceX for Safety Violations

The fines stem from unapproved changes during two 2023 launches, prompting Elon Musk to vow a lawsuit against the agency.

The FAA alleges SpaceX violated licensing requirements during launches in June and July 2023.
SpaceX used an unapproved launch control room and skipped a mandatory readiness poll for a June 2023 Falcon 9 launch.
In July 2023, SpaceX utilized an unapproved rocket propellant farm for a Falcon Heavy mission.
The proposed fines total $633,009, the largest civil penalty ever imposed by the FAA's commercial spaceflight division.
Elon Musk has announced plans to sue the FAA, accusing the agency of regulatory overreach and lawfare.