SpaceX COO Urges Quicker Reforms in U.S. Regulatory Policies

Elon Musk SpaceX CEO has been vocal about his pro-business views and recently took on a new political role. He is the part of new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Donald Trump administration. 

SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell who handles the daily operations of SpaceX, expressed concerns about U.S. regulations slowing down innovation. Speaking at the Baron Investment Conference in New York on November 15, Shotwell said, “Regulation isn’t helping—it’s slowing us down. We just want industries to be safe, fair, and regulated, but it needs to happen faster.” 

Shotwell pointed out that current rules were designed for companies launching about 10 rockets a year. In comparison, SpaceX is on track to launch over 130 Falcon rockets in 2024. She also shared that SpaceX’s Starship is expected to launch 400 times in the next four years. 

“Technology and physics are easy, but dealing with people, especially regulators, is the hardest,” she said, referring to the challenges in developing and launching Starship. 

While Elon Musk has stirred controversy by endorsing social media posts critical of the federal workforce, Shotwell maintains a more reserved tone. Still, she spoke highly of her boss, saying, “I love working for Elon. I don’t have to work, but I love working for him.”