New rules concerning the licensing process for private sector launch and reentry operations are another step towards a new era of commercial space transportation, the FAA said Monday.
“Innovation in commercial space transportation is increasing dramatically, and policy needs to keep up. This rule will help us to prepare for future U.S. leadership in commercial space transportation by facilitating the continued economic growth and innovation of the American aerospace industry and ensuring the highest level of public safety,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The FAA’s final rule on launch and reentry went into effect on March 21. The rule arose from a directive of the National Space Council that encouraged American leadership in space commerce. The rule supports greater innovation, flexibility, and efficiency in commercial space operations while seeking to keep up with the growing global space industry expected to generate more than $1.1 trillion in revenues by 2040.
The rule eliminates obsolete requirements and replaces most prescriptive requirements with performance-based criteria, and reduces duplicative regulations. Additionally, it establishes one set of licensing and safety regulations for several types of commercial space operations and vehicles, such as having one license support multiple launches and reentries at multiple locations.
“With the streamlined rule, we can make sure launch vehicles aren’t tethered to the launch pad with red tape and at the same time protect public safety during commercial space operations,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.
Since 2011, the number of FAA-licensed commercial space launches has grown from one to 39 in 2020. The FAA anticipates licensing 50 or more in 2021.