Hopes to Streamline Launch Licensing for Rapidly-Growing Space Ops

With commercial space operations reaching record numbers in 2024, the FAA has finally decided to open up an Aerospace Rulemaking Committee. This group aims to update and simplify the agency’s existing Part 450 launch and reentry licensing regulations.

The Part 450 regs were set in 2021 as a way for the FAA to streamline the launch approval process and reduce the number of repeat license requests. However, as we’ve seen time and time again with SpaceX, the current system has caused unnecessary delays, confusion, and uncertainty. This jeopardizes the nation’s spot on top of the space totem pole.

If all goes to plan, the FAA’s new committee will provide some much-needed relief. The group of commercial space industry professionals will evaluate nine areas of potential improvement, including flight safety, system safety, and compliance. Then, it will finalize a report with recommendations for the FAA to begin making changes. This is expected by late next summer.

In the meantime, the agency is relying on the industry to speed up the licensing process. The FAA offers several educational resources to help applicants better understand requirements, submit applications, minimize modifications, and respond to FAA requests for information.

“The FAA is seeking to update the licensing rule to foster more clarity, flexibility, efficiency, and innovation,” explained Kelvin Coleman, the FAA Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation. “Making timely licensing determinations without compromising public safety is a top priority.”

Fiscal Year 2024 has seen record numbers of commercial space operations. Over 148 licensed launches were executed, marking over a 30% increase from last year and a 900% increase from FY 2015. The agency expects this amount to double, if not triple, by FY 2028.

FMI: www.faa.gov