In a related development, SpaceX has filed a lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission after the agency rejected a proposal to increase the company's launch frequency from the state to 50 per year.

The Commission's decision, made on October 10, came despite backing from the U.S. Air Force, which highlighted the necessity for more launches to support national security.

SpaceX's lawsuit claims 'naked political discrimination' against CEO Elon Musk, arguing that the Commission unlawfully regulated activities of a federal agency.

In the tech landscape, Canadian hyperspectral imaging startup Wyvern has successfully raised $6 million, led by Squadra Ventures, to expand into the U.S. market and engage with defense programs.

Co-founders Kurtis Broda and Kristen Cote expressed their commitment to accessing key U.S. defense programs while also taking pride in their Canadian roots.

Meanwhile, TechCrunch is gearing up for TechCrunch Disrupt, featuring a finalized agenda for the Space Stage, where leading space entrepreneurs and investors will share their insights.

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg recently criticized NASA's Artemis program in an op-ed, calling it a waste of taxpayer money and advocating for SpaceX's reusable Starship as a more efficient alternative for lunar missions.

Bloomberg argued that SpaceX's Starship could achieve lunar missions more effectively than NASA's current plans, which rely on the Space Launch System and other components.

This lawsuit raises significant legal questions regarding the authority over launch activities at a defense base and whether these operations fall under federal or private jurisdiction.

Notably, last week's TechCrunch Space did not cover Starship's fifth integrated flight test due to the publication schedule missing this significant news.