SpaceX Achieves Milestone with 350th Falcon 9 Launch
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket completed its 42nd launch of 2024 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, despite a California Coastal Commission decision limiting launches to 36 annually. The commission's rejection, partly due to Elon Musk's politics, led SpaceX to file a federal lawsuit, arguing that the launches are federal activities not requiring a Coastal Development Permit. A California lawmaker introduced Assembly Bill 10 to counter the commission's decision, citing national security concerns. The Air Force supports the increased launch activity, emphasizing environmental protection.