WASHINGTON, Sept 24 - SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has been urged to uphold the "highest level of safety" by the head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday, as he defended a suggested $633,000 fine for the company's noncompliance with safety regulations in 2023 prior to two launches.

"They’ve been in this business for two decades, and they must maintain top-tier safety standards, including implementing a safety management system (SMS) and creating a whistleblower program," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said during a U.S. House panel.

He added, “They proceeded with launches without securing proper authorization,” referring to SpaceX’s launches in June and July last year from Cape Canaveral, Florida. "Fines are among the few tools we have to enforce safety requirements."

SpaceX dismissed Whitaker’s assertions, declaring that “every one of his claims was wrong.” The FAA, however, chose not to comment further.

"SpaceX stands as the safest and most dependable launch provider globally, firmly dedicated to upholding safety in all its procedures," the aerospace firm affirmed in a statement.

According to the FAA, SpaceX’s infringements included failing to get approval for modifications in the communication plan tied to the company's license during the June 2023 rocket launch carrying an Indonesian telecom satellite.

Furthermore, Whitaker defended the delay in the anticipated Starship 5 launch, pointing out that SpaceX did not conduct a required sonic boom analysis on schedule. The FAA indicated earlier this month that it anticipated making a licensing decision only by late November.

Whitaker elaborated, saying, “The Starship’s delay stemmed from SpaceX filing an application and failing to disclose violations concerning Texas and federal law, which is essential to obtaining a permit."

Asked how the launch timeline could potentially be expedited, Whitaker remarked that "following the regulations" would be the most effective course.

Last week, Musk criticized the FAA’s leadership regarding the proposed $633,000 fine, claiming they were penalizing SpaceX “over trivial issues that have no bearing on safety, while overlooking critical safety concerns at Boeing (BA.N). This is gravely wrong and endangers lives."

Whitaker, addressing reporters, noted that he had not seen Musk’s social media comments and declined to confirm if he had any direct communication with Musk about the matter. However, Whitaker expressed that there should be equal treatment for all aerospace companies.

"Both Boeing and SpaceX should be subject to the same regulations. All should be under the SMS framework. All should have whistleblower systems in place," Whitaker emphasized.

While Boeing already has such programs, the same is expected of SpaceX as per regulatory requirements.

Musk has long expressed frustrations over what he deems as bureaucratic inefficiencies and has frequently clashed with federal agencies. SpaceX requires FAA approvals for rocket launches and introducing groundbreaking technology.

Whitaker clarified that SpaceX’s July 2023 launch violated regulations, as it lacked proper permits and did not complete an essential risk assessment before proceeding.

On Tuesday, SpaceX declared that it was "fully certified to perform the Falcon launches" and denied breaking any Texas laws. "SpaceX rejects any claims by the FAA of legal violations," the company stated.

In February 2023, the FAA had also proposed a $175,000 penalty against SpaceX for failing to submit some required safety data prior to the August 2022 Starlink satellite launch. The company complied and paid the fine.