In Washington, the House Science Committee is asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to take a closer look at the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) launch regulations. These rules, known as Part 450, aim to simplify how companies get licenses for launching and landing spacecraft, but they’ve come under fire from industry experts.
On February 12, Representatives Brian Babin and Zoe Lofgren sent a letter to the GAO expressing their concerns. They pointed out that as these regulations near their five-year mark, it’s important to assess if they truly help U.S. companies with their growing needs for launch and reentry operations.
Some industry players have highlighted issues with Part 450, saying it’s complicated. They feel the guidance isn’t clear and that the process takes too long. These worries were discussed in a committee hearing last September.
The committee has specifically asked the GAO to check if the FAA provides enough guidance for those seeking licenses. They want to know about the timelines for reviewing applications and how the FAA works with other agencies.
At the 27th Annual Commercial Space Conference, Babin spoke about the letter and its importance. He believes that a thorough review will give Congress a clear view of how the current system is working and where changes might be necessary.
FAA officials claim they’ve made strides in improving the licensing process. They recently issued licenses for two notable launches — Blue Origin’s New Glenn and SpaceX’s Starship/Super Heavy — ahead of schedule. Despite this success, Senator Ted Cruz pointed out that the FAA has struggled with new vehicle licensing, affecting innovation.
Katie Cranor, from the FAA’s Office of Operational Safety, remains optimistic. She acknowledged the past challenges but sees recent successes as a sign of potential improvement in the future.
To further enhance Part 450, the FAA has established a committee called the Aerospace Rulemaking Committee (SpARC), which began its work in December. This group aims to gather feedback from the industry and is set to present its final recommendations to the FAA in July. They will focus on how to better license reentry vehicles and conduct tests for new vehicles.
While the final report is some months away, the FAA has asked for immediate recommendations for quick fixes. They want to know what can be done now to streamline the process, whether through new rules or temporary waivers.
Aside from these initiatives, the FAA has plans to create more resources for applicants, including guidance documents and workshops. They’re also working on a new electronic system for license applications to modernize the process.
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FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation,House,House Committee on Science Space and Technology
