The head of the Federal Aviation Administration defended the agency's proposed $633,000 fine for Elon Musk's SpaceX for violating agency rules ahead of launches in June and July of 2023.
"They launched without a permit," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said at a U.S. House subcommittee defending the fine. "It's the only tool we have to get compliance on safety matters." Whitaker also defended a delay of forthcoming launches.
Musk last week attacked FAA leaders saying they were penalizing SpaceX "for petty matters that have nothing to do with safety, while neglecting real safety issues at Boeing. This is deeply wrong and puts human lives at risk."