Federal Register #FAA-2026-9942

FAA proposes licensing approach for uncontrolled atmospheric returns

The FAA is proposing a licensing approach for uncontrolled atmospheric returns in commercial space operations. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including the Office of Commercial Space Transportation. - Proposal: Amendments to 14 CFR Parts 401 and 450 would allow operators to demonstrate protection from high-consequence events during an uncontrolled atmospheric return by showing that the vehicle, its components, and payloads would break up sufficiently to mitigate a single event expected to cause multiple casualties. - Purpose: Streamline commercial launch and reentry licensing and reduce regulatory burden. - Procurement status: This is a proposed regulation, not a procurement. No OEMs, vendors, products, quantities, or contracted services are identified.

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration proposes amendments to its commercial space launch and reentry licensing regulations. The proposal would allow operators to demonstrate protection against high-consequence events during an uncontrolled atmospheric return by showing sufficient breakup of the vehicle, including its components and payloads, to protect against a single event expected to produce multiple casualties. The proposal is intended to streamline licensing and reduce regulatory burden for applicants. Comments are due December 9, 2026.

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