SpaceX is not mentioned by name in the executive order, but is due to many favorable government contracts and ambitious launch cadences.
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- Trump’s order says it’s essential to increase the number of commercial rocket launches in the US
- Trump’s executive order is undoubtedly a big win for Elon Musk, who has spent years pushing back federal regulations he considers as “extra.”
- SpaceX has become known for its risk-resistance philosophy to the development of its spacecraft, resulting in several prominent explosions.
SpaceX and Elon Musk have just won a major victory in President Donald Trump’s latest executive order.
On Wednesday, August 13, Trump signed an executive order to ease many federal restrictions on US commercial spaceflight companies
SpaceX is not mentioned by name in order, but the commercial SpaceFlight Company is likely to get the most out of the move due to many lucrative government contracts and aggressive launch cadences in the US.
It also comes for more than two months as Trump and Musk feuded so commonly on spending bills, leading to the collapse between once-closed allies.
Here’s everything you need to know about Trump’s executive order for commercial spaceflight and the long battle with SpaceX’s government regulators.
Trump signs executive order regarding commercial rocket launches
Trump’s order directs the US Transportation Secretary to eliminate or promote environmental reviews of launch approvals managed by the Federal Aviation Administration, which obtain licenses for commercial rockets to be released. The White House said in a statement provided to Reuters, the declaration further calls for secretaries to abolish “outdated, redundant or overly restrictive rules,” the White House said.
Trump’s orders say it is essential to increase the launch of commercial rockets in the United States to ensure that new space-based industries, space exploration capabilities and cutting-edge defense systems are pioneered in America rather than in the enemy.
Interestingly, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy, whose title has been referenced several times in order, was appointed in July as NASA’s interim administrator.
Following the news, Duffy praised Trump in a post on social media site X for calling him a “foreigner.”
“We stand up to the ultimate frontier and this EO will enable the United States to lead the world from Earth to Space Travel,” Duffy told the Post.
Orders may facilitate environmental regulations for SpaceX missions
Executive Orders directly benefit private SpaceFlight companies like Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.
However, SpaceX, founded by Musk in 2002, could benefit the most from a relaxed, regulatory environment.
Commercial rocket launchers are leading the way for US SpaceFlight Missions by routinely implementing Starlink satellite deployments using Falcon 9 rockets from both California and Florida.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is one of the most active rockets in the world and is also the best way for NASA when space agencies send astronauts to the International Space Station. Furthermore, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, which is parked on top of the rocket, is the only US vehicle capable of transporting astronauts to orbital labs.
SpaceX also benefits from billions of dollars in contracts from the Department of Defense by providing launch services not only to NASA but also to classified satellites and other payloads.
Trump’s orders come as SpaceX prepares to launch another massive 400-foot spacecraft rocket in August from Starbase headquarters in South Texas, near the US-Mexico border. Musk also well states his commitment to increasing the rhythm of the spacecraft’s testing missions after receiving major regulatory approval.
The launch vehicle, considered the world’s largest and most powerful rocket, is set to play a pivotal role in future US spaceflight. The spacecraft is central to Musk’s vision of sending the first humans to Mars, and is also important in NASA’s plan to bring astronauts back to the surface of the moon.
Elon Musk, SpaceX has fought restrictions for many years
Trump’s executive order is undoubtedly a big win for Musk, who has spent years pushing back on federal regulations he considers as “extra.”
In September 2024, the FAA announced a proposal to hit SpaceX with a civil penalty of $633,009 for its claim that the company failed to comply with its licensing requirements prior to the two separate launches in 2023.
The FAA previously said in a statement to USA Today it is trying to balance the progress of SpaceFlight with the need to ensure commercial launches are safe. The record 148 FAA licensed commercial space operations took place in 2024, up over 30% from the previous year, the agency notes.
However, when it comes to Starship development, SpaceX has become known for its risk-tolerant philosophy. The mask emphasizes that rapid and frequent testing, which can lead to an explosive edge, can provide data that can help engineers improve vehicle design.
Environmental Group, others have long opposed the launch of SpaceX Rocket
However, its aggressive approach ranked environmentalists and others who criticized SpaceX’s operation to potentially destroy local ecosystems.
The South Texas Environmental Justice Network, which has long been opposed to Musk and his space program, recently issued a statement in May denounced the FAA’s approval to increase SpaceX’s spacecraft flight test to 25 a year.
In late June, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum threatened to sue SpaceX if investigators determined that Musk’s spaceflight company had contributed to the country’s excessive pollution and the death of marine life.
The announcement comes after a fiery accident earlier that month caused disappointment in Mexico’s state of Tamaulipa.
Contribution: Reuters
Eric Lagatta is a Space Connect reporter for the USA Today Network. Contact him at elagatta@gannett.com
