FAA has proposed large fines for Musk — and he may soon hold power over them: report
A battle could be looming between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and the Federal Aviation Administration, which handles, among other things, air traffic as planes fly through U.S. airspace.
Musk faced proposed fines last year of about $633,000 over SpaceX violations, Politico reported, including over the company's unauthorized rocket firing.
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When a rocket launch is scheduled, airplanes need to know to stay away from the air space.
Musk was furious that his rocket was delayed "for months because of a pending Fish and Wildlife Service review" and he deployed a "scorched earth" tactic, according to Politico.
"He’s used his social media megaphone to threaten to sue the agency for 'regulatory overreach,' accused it of 'politically motivated behavior,' taunted the FAA with crude humor and poked at the agency’s rules, which he says move too slowly to meet his goal of getting human civilization to Mars. He has also called for the resignation of FAA leader Mike Whitaker — who has four years left on the job, assuming he serves out his term," according to the report.
Trump said he plans to appoint Musk and one-time opponent Vivek Ramaswamy to run a largely symbolic agency known as the "Department of Government Efficiency."
Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) has been floated as Trump's appointment to head the Department of Transportation, which oversees the FAA. Politico reports he's indicated a willingness to overhaul space regulations.
“There’s definitely some changes that need to be made,” Crawford told POLITICO last week, also echoing Musk's complaints that the FAA is too slow.
Republicans have complained in the past that they can't compete against China in the Mars race while complying with government safety regulations.
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