Sun, May 23, 2021
Launch Activity Has Dramatically Accelerated From Only One In 2011 To A Record 39 In 2020
Saturday’s Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo flight from Spaceport America in New Mexico marks the 400th launch that the FAA has licensed. This achievement is made possible by the U.S. commercial space industry’s ingenuity and the FAA’s commitment to public safety.
FAA licensing is a critical step in protecting public safety during commercial space operations. An FAA license is required to conduct any commercial space launch or reentry, the operation of any launch or reentry site by U.S. citizens anywhere in the world, or by any individual or entity within the United States.
The FAA works with operators to make sure they are meeting the requirements to conduct launches. This includes having FAA safety inspectors monitor all phases of licensed activities. The agency also works with the industry to safely and efficiently integrate commercial space operations in the National Airspace System.
There have been no fatalities, serious injuries or significant property damage to members of the public during any FAA-licensed launch. The FAA is committed to maintaining this safety record as the pace of commercial space operations quickens.
The number of FAA-licensed commercial space launches has dramatically accelerated from only one in 2011 to a record 39 in 2020. The growth is expected to continue as the industry looks towards space tourism in the coming years.
The first licensed launch occurred in New Mexico, when a Space Services Starfire launched from White Sands Missile Range in 1989.
The subsequent launches included suborbital and orbital flights and missions that delivered payloads to the Earth’s orbit and moon as well as interplanetary space. The missions had diverse goals such as carrying supplies and crew to the International Space Station, advancing scientific and medical research, and testing space capsules and rocket systems. They also involved deploying satellites for commercial use and for supporting the national interests of the United States.
The launches occurred in seven U.S. states, four foreign countries and the international waters of the Pacific Ocean. They were launched from traditional land-based sites, ocean platforms and while airborne using carrier aircraft.
More News
Option Approach An approach requested and conducted by a pilot which will result in either a touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. Pilots >[...]
"Emirates is already the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s. This is a long-t>[...]
(Pilot) Reported That There Was A Sudden And Violent Vibration Throughout The Airplane That Lasted Several Seconds Analysis: The pilot was returning to his home airport at an altit>[...]
“This recognition was evident during the TBMOPA Annual Convention, where owners and operators clearly expressed their satisfaction with our focus on customer service, and enc>[...]
Overhead Maneuver A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern and to proceed to a >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.19.25): Option Approach
See All