U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced Thursday that the Federal Aviation Administration had finalized its reforms to requirements for launches and reentries for commercial space transportation.
The FAA’s Streamlined Launch and Reentry Licensing Requirement Final Rule modernizes the way FAA regulates and licenses commercial space operations and provides for public safety while allowing the aerospace industry to grow and innovate.
“This historic, comprehensive update to commercial space launch and reentry licensing requirements facilitates greater growth in this industry and helps America to maintain our #1 position in the world,” Chao said.
The new rule consolidates and applies a single set of licensing and safety regulations for all vehicle operations types and consolidates four other regulations. It also allows launch and reentry operators to suggest and implement solutions to meet regulatory standards and provide operators’ flexibility to meet safety requirements.
“This rule paves the way for an industry that is moving at lightning speed,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “We are simplifying the licensing process and enabling industry to move forward in a safe manner.”
The final rule’s process allows a single operator’s license to support multiple launches or reentries from potentially multiple launch sites. Additionally, applicants will negotiate mutually agreeable reduced time frames for submittals and application review periods. Applicants can also apply for a safety element approval when they apply for a license, instead of submitting separate applications, among other changes.
The rule will become effective 90 days after it is published in the Federal Register.