A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the Starlink 7-16 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 18, as seen from L.A.’s Chinatown.

Amidst this feat of technology and space exploration, the company announced its ambitious plans to intensify rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base, aiming for 90 rockets by 2026, a move met with both awe and scrutiny.

SpaceX, led by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk, has already exceeded the previous six-launch agreement with the California Coastal Commission by launching 28 rockets last year.

The company is now seeking permission for up to 36 launches annually, progressing to 90 in the coming years.

These plans not only reflect SpaceX’s rapid growth but also its significant role as a military contractor, suggesting a surge in U.S. military space capabilities.

The U.S. Space Force, established in 2019, views SpaceX’s increased launch frequency as advantageous.

However, the escalating launch activities have raised concerns among environmental groups and residents regarding the potential impact on marine life.

Federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service are responsible for monitoring the impact of blasts on various animals, including sea otters, bats, western snowy plovers, California least terns, and California red-legged frogs.

According to U.S. Space Force officials, observations have indicated that some animals may react to the blast-off by flushing or fleeing from their habitats, but they typically return shortly after without any long-term effects being observed.

Duncan Leitch, a professor of integrative biology at UCLA, noted that behaviors like flushing or hunkering down post-blast are signs of wildlife experiencing stress.

While most animals can adapt to occasional incidents, frequent exposure to stressful events can alter their biology and behavior.

In the worst-case scenarios, Leitch warned that birds’ communication abilities could be hindered, leading migratory birds to avoid the area.

Additionally, fish and other creatures relying on sound for communication and navigation, such as whales, could be impacted.

Some environmental organizations, including the Surfrider Foundation, are urging regulatory bodies to prevent the escalation of these activities.

California Coastal Commission members are questioning whether SpaceX should have the same privilege as federal agencies to bypass the permit process. While federal entities engage in negotiations with the commission and can proceed with their plans even without the commission’s approval, the commission’s options in such instances are limited to mediation or legal action.

Relevant articles:
– SpaceX plans to launch 90 rockets from Vandenberg Space Force Base by 2026. Could that harm the coast?, Los Angeles Times
– SpaceX rocket launch sends advanced satellite into low orbit, brings booster back to Earth, Los Angeles Times