Thirteen Members Reappointed To The Panel

The FAA has announced nine new members for the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). Secretary Elaine L. Chao approved the nominations along with the re-appointment of 13 members.

Since its inception in 1984, COMSTAC has provided information, advice, and recommendations to the DOT through the FAA about technology, business, and policy issues relevant to overseeing the U.S. commercial space transportation sector. COMSTAC provides economic, technical and institutional expertise to ensure safety during U.S. commercial launch operations and supports U.S. industry competitiveness. In June 2019, Secretary Chao approved the renewal of the COMSTAC charter (PDF) for another two-year period.

The FAA will depend on the COMSTAC to help the DOT address important issues, including human spaceflight standards, launch licensing and spaceport licensing. The next COMSTAC meeting is planned for spring 2020.

The new members include:

• Ms. Shana Dale, Former FAA Deputy Associate Administrator
• Ms. Karina Drees, CEO and General Manager Mojave Air and Space Port
• Mr. Mike French, Vice President, Space Systems Aerospace Industries Association
• Mr. Dale Ketcham, Vice President, Government & External Relations Space Florida
• Ms. Kate Kronmiller, Vice President of Government Relations Jacobs
• Mr. Mike Moses, President Virgin Galactic
• Mr. Clay Mowry, Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Customer Experience Blue Origin
• Mr. Lee Rosen, Vice President of Customer Operations and Integration Space Exploration Technologies
• Ms. Ann Zulkosky, Director Lockheed Martin Corporation

(Source: FAA news release)

FMI: Full committee list