The FAA said operators could file launch applications electronically and combine three safety analyses into one. Comments are open through 4 November. The White House wants 1,000 launches a year by 2030.
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it is proposing to streamline rules for commercial space launches and re-entries. The changes would let operators submit launch applications electronically, give more flexibility in showing an equivalent level of safety, and combine three required safety analyses into one submission.
The White House wants at least 1,000 launches and re-entries a year by 2030, up from 178 launches last year, Reuters reported. That is 10 times the 2013 figure. Activity is dominated by SpaceX.
The FAA said simplifying the rules would let American operators keep leading commercial launch growth while keeping the agency's highest safety standards. The public can comment through 4 November.
In August, President Donald Trump signed a memo aimed at raising the number of commercial launches, including a direction to look at federal land for new sites. In July the FAA proposed waiving requirements under several laws to speed licensing.
Tuesday's notice is a proposal, not a final rule. No effective date beyond the comment deadline was included in the Reuters account.
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- The FAA said simpler rules should preserve its highest safety standards while supporting launch growth.