Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen U.S. Competitiveness in Space
The LAUNCH Act would streamline commercial space launches
Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan Licensing Aerospace Units to New Commercial Heights (LAUNCH) Act, which would streamline the application process for commercial space launches and the licensing of private remote sensing space systems or satellites.
“Outdated regulations shouldn’t hold back the advancement of commercial spaceflight,” said Sen. Kelly. “The LAUNCH Act will support innovation and increase competition in the commercial space industry by modernizing the regulations that govern launch and reentry.”
“As the pace of China’s space ambitions accelerate, the Federal Aviation Administration must be able to approve commercial space launches quickly and efficiently in order to maintain our competitive edge,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By reducing bureaucratic hurdles for innovators, this legislation would drive scientific advancement and ensure America stays one step ahead of our adversaries in space and beyond.”
“New Mexico is already at the forefront of our country’s leadership in space exploration and innovation. Ranging from Spaceport America, to Kirtland Air Force Base, and White Sands Missile Range, our state’s success is clear and should be supported,” said Sen. Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to join Senator Cornyn to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will streamline federal oversight for commercial space flights. This bill will ensure regulations are modernized and up-to-date, allowing New Mexico to continue our leadership.”
“Florida’s Space Coast is where our nation’s brightest minds innovate and help America reach for the stars. This incredible growth and success have been driven by effective public and private partnerships pushing our nation to the forefront of space exploration,” said Sen. Scott. “I’m honored to work alongside my colleagues in introducing the Licensing Aerospace Units to New Commercial Heights (LAUNCH) Act to eliminate unnecessary government bureaucracy and support American businesses in the space industry.”
Background:
Commercial space regulations were developed in an era with limited industry activity. These regulations require modernization to adapt to ongoing technological development and anticipated growth and maintain safety while reducing bureaucratic burden. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approval process for commercial space launches is onerous and subject to arbitrary minimum review timelines, which gives foreign adversaries the economic and national security advantage. To maintain America’s competitive position, the FAA must be able to efficiently approve weekly and, eventually, daily launch and reentry operations by multiple companies in a manner that reduces the burden on the commercial space industry and government resources.
The LAUNCH Act would require:
- The Federal Aviation Administration to streamline the application of regulations for commercial space launches and reentry requirements by eliminating duplicative efforts and taking industry feedback into account;
- Continued support of the Aerospace Rulemaking Committee that includes launch providers;
- The Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA) within the U.S. Department of Commerce to streamline licensing of private remote sensing space systems or satellites;
- The FAA and CRSRA to provide assistance to applicants to help them navigate licensing processes;
- Elevation of the Commercial Space Transportation office to directly under the Secretary of Transportation;
- And the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to report on flight safety and workforce collaboration.
This legislation is endorsed by the Commercial Spaceflight Federation.
Click here to read the bill text.
