At a Glance
- SpaceX fined $115,850 for seven serious OSHA violations.
- The penalties stem from a June 24, 2025 crane collapse at Starbase.
- The incident occurs as the company ramps up for up to 25 Starship launches.
- Why it matters: Safety lapses threaten the company’s expansion plans and worker well-being.
The recent OSHA enforcement action against SpaceX underscores growing concerns about safety at the company’s Starbase launch complex. A collapsed hydraulic crane on June 24, 2025 triggered a federal investigation that uncovered seven serious violations and a total fine of $115,850. The incident comes as Space X prepares for a record-setting launch schedule.
OSHA’s investigation began the day after the collapse, and the agency’s website shows the probe remains open. The seven violations relate to inspection failures, inadequate documentation, and equipment that was not properly certified. Six of the violations carry the maximum penalty, and Space X can contest the findings.
The crane that failed was a Grove RT9150E, recently repaired but not inspected by a qualified person. OSHA alleges the company failed to perform monthly inspections of the crane’s wire rope or document those inspections. The equipment also lacked manufacturer-prescribed markings indicating a safe working load.
The collapse happened while workers were clearing debris from a Starship explosion that occurred four days earlier. Footage from LabPadre shows the crane buckling under the weight of a large Starship fragment. The incident highlights risks during debris removal after launch failures.
Space X’s expansion plans include up to 25 Starship launches in Texas this year, as authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration. The company is also building a launch complex capable of producing thousands of Starship rockets annually. The new OSHA penalties could impact timelines and budgets for these projects.
Historical safety issues at Starbase are well documented. A 2023 Reuters report revealed dozens of previously unreported injuries and one employee death during the complex’s construction. An earlier analysis of OSHA data found Space X’s injury rate at Starbase higher than at other company sites.
In December, a subcontractor employee filed a lawsuit after a large metal support dropped from a crane, allegedly crushing him. OSHA is also investigating that incident, adding to the company’s safety scrutiny. The lawsuit was first reported by a leading tech publication.
The crane collapse occurred on June 24, 2025, the same day OSHA opened its investigation. The date is critical because it marks the first major safety failure in a year of rapid expansion. The incident also coincides with the company’s push to meet President Donald Trump’s lunar return goal.
OSHA’s citations specify that the Grove crane had a computer that would not start until multiple attempts were made. The agency also noted an employee operated a Tadano 90-ton crawler crane with an expired certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators.
Space X’s safety record has attracted scrutiny from regulators and the public. The company has faced criticism for inadequate oversight of subcontractors and equipment maintenance. The latest fines reinforce the need for stricter compliance.
The fines are the maximum that OSHA can levy for each of the six serious violations. The agency’s enforcement action signals a tougher stance on safety violations in the aerospace sector. It also sets a precedent for other companies operating large industrial sites.
Workers’ safety remains a priority for the company. While no injuries were reported in the June collapse, OSHA’s probe will determine if any workers were harmed. The agency’s findings could lead to additional safety requirements.
Space X can appeal the penalties. The company has not yet responded to a request for comment. The outcome of the appeal could influence future regulatory oversight.
The company’s expansion plans are tied to the success of the Starship program. Any delays or increased costs from safety violations could affect launch schedules. Investors and partners are closely monitoring the situation.
The incident also highlights the complexity of maintaining large equipment in a high-risk environment. Regular inspections and proper certification are essential to prevent accidents. OSHA’s findings emphasize these requirements.
A timeline of key events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2025 | Starship explosion at Starbase |
| June 24, 2025 | Grove crane collapses |
| June 25, 2025 | OSHA opens investigation |
| July 2025 | OSHA issues fines |
The timeline shows a rapid sequence from explosion to enforcement action. Each step underscores the importance of prompt safety checks.
Space X’s leadership has faced pressure to balance rapid development with rigorous safety protocols. The company’s ambition to build thousands of rockets per year adds operational complexity. The latest OSHA action may prompt a review of internal safety procedures.
Industry experts note that large aerospace facilities often struggle with equipment maintenance. OSHA’s focus on inspection gaps is common in such contexts. The penalties aim to deter similar lapses.
The company’s clearance to perform 25 Starship launches demonstrates regulatory confidence. However, the new violations could prompt additional oversight. Space X may need to invest in safety training and equipment upgrades.
The lawsuit filed by the subcontractor adds another layer of scrutiny. OSHA’s investigation into that incident may uncover further deficiencies. The company’s subcontractor management practices are now under the microscope.
The fines also highlight the role of federal agencies in enforcing workplace safety. OSHA’s enforcement actions are designed to protect workers and ensure compliance. The agency’s decisions will influence other companies in the sector.
Space X’s future plans hinge on maintaining safety standards. The company’s ambitious launch schedule requires robust risk management. The recent penalties may lead to procedural changes.
Key takeaways:
- SpaceX faces a $115,850 fine for seven serious OSHA violations.
- A collapsed crane on June 24, 2025, triggered the investigation.
- The incident occurs amid plans for up to 25 Starship launches.
- Historical safety issues and a recent lawsuit add to regulatory scrutiny.
- The company can appeal the penalties, and the outcome may shape future safety protocols.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between rapid innovation and worker safety. Regulatory bodies will likely continue to monitor the company closely as it pushes forward with its ambitious plans.
