News and Updates – FAA Extends Comment Period on Rulemaking to Streamline Commercial Space Activities

WASHINGTON TheFederal Aviation Administration(FAA) is extending the public comment period for 45 days to July 30 for a proposed rulethat would streamline federal commercial space transportation requirements for launch and reentry operators and maintain safety during launches and reentries. The proposed rule follows the National Space Councils 2018 ‘Space Policy Directive 2’, which called on the Secretary of Transportation to review and revise the Departments commercial space launch and re-entry licensing regulations. It will expand access to the economic, scientific, and educational benefits of traveling to space. It will also support U.S. industry efforts to expand commercial services to a variety of domestic and international markets.

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on April 15, and the original comment period was scheduled to close on June 14. Due to the rules breadth, significant impact, length and complexity, more than 50 commenters requested that the FAA extend the comment period. This extension addresses those comments.

The proposed rule advances proposals by the Streamlined Launch and Reentry Licensing Requirements Aviation Rulemaking Committee, which is made up of commercial space and aviation leaders from government and industry. Formed by the FAA over one year ago, the Committee discussed and put forward proposals and recommendations to the agency. The proposed rule is a result of that effort.

The extension notice is in todays Federal Register.