The U.S Department of Transportation supported a record 35 licensed commercial space launches so far in 2020, beating the record of 33 established in 2018.
And there may be more on the way before the year ends, officials said.
“The record number of launches demonstrates this administration’s commitment to support the innovation and growth of the U.S. commercial space transportation industry and lead the world in aerospace capabilities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts that 2021 will see continued growth in licensed commercial space launches that could reach 50 or more.
Among the commercial space launches were the first FAA-licensed crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS), cargo-only resupply of the ISS, delivery of private enterprise satellites into orbit, and testing of space capsules and rocket systems. Launches occurred in Alaska, California, Florida, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, and New Zealand.
Since streamlining and modernizing the regulations surrounding commercial space launch and re-entry licensing in 2018, the agency said the new rules facilitate growth and innovation in the aerospace industry while maintaining public safety and strengthening the U.S.’s leadership position.
An FAA license is required to conduct any commercial launch or reentry, to operate any launch or reentry sit by U.S. citizens anywhere in the world, or by any individual or entity within the U.S. Once the FAA issues a license or a permit, the agency works with licensees to make sure they meet the requirement to conduct launches and reentries, including having FAA safety inspectors monitor their activities.