Legislation clarifies NTSB’s authority to investigate certain space accidents

© Shutterstock

Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee would clarify the authority of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate commercial space transportation accidents.

The Commercial Space Transportation Safety Act of 2022 would address many concerns the commercial space transportation industry raised about a proposed NTSB rule regarding commercial space transportation accident investigations.

The bill also narrows the NTSB’s existing broad authority. It specifies what kind of commercial space transportation accidents the NTSB should investigate, eliminating routine incidents or mishaps from the rule.

The NTSB would be required to update its memoranda of understanding with other federal agencies investigating commercial space transportation accidents. This will ensure no duplication or confusion about the agency responsible for an investigation.

U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), Aviation Subcommittee ranking member, introduced the bill, and it was cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman; U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ranking member; and U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Aviation Subcommittee chairman.

“As commercial space transportation technology advances, we must guarantee that safety progresses as well,” Rep. Garret Graves said. “This is the only way to ensure a robust industry and all the benefits of innovation.”