Launch Industry Evolution and Considerations of Future Safety Regulations

Abstract

Commercial launch operations began in the United States in 1989. Over the past 11 years, the scope of the launch industry has continued to expand in the United States. The number of regulated launch operations has increased and the development of commercial launch sites has occurred. Launch operations are now taking place from locations not operated by the US government. Proposed reusable launch vehicles and reentry operations have placed additional pressure on the need for legislation and regulations to keep pace with these changes. A summary of the recent legislative changes and regulatory initiatives of the Federal Aviation Administration are presented. Thoughts on the possible near- and long-term future regulatory issues and legal questions are offered.