The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously (11-0) against SpaceX’s plan to increase annual Falcon 9 rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base from 50 to 95.

This marks the second time the commission has opposed launch expansion at Vandenberg; last October it voted against raising launches from 36 to 50.

The big picture: Although the commission opposes the new plan, the U.S. government – specifically the Department of the Air Force – can override the state’s objections and approve the expansion, citing federal exemption from state oversight. • The Air Force did not have representatives present at the commission meeting held in Calabasas, California. • Commission staff highlighted that of 51 rockets launched last year at Vandenberg, 46 were SpaceX Falcon 9s, emphasizing S

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