Federal Register #2026-22782

FAA Proposed Rule to Clarify Flight Abort Safety Limits for Commercial Space Launches and Reentries

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing clarifications to safety requirements for commercial space launches and reentries. - Government buyer: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), within the U.S. Department of Transportation. - Proposal: Amend commercial space licensing regulations in 14 CFR parts 401 and 450 to clarify when operators using flight abort as a hazard control are not required to abort for the remainder of a flight phase. - Additional changes: Rename “End of flight abort” as “End of flight safety limits” and define “uncontrolled atmospheric return.” - Purpose: Clarify the rules, give operators more flexibility, reduce regulatory burden, and maintain public safety. - Procurement status: This is a proposed rulemaking, not a purchase opportunity. No OEMs, vendors, products, quantities, or services are identified.

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend commercial space launch and reentry licensing regulations in 14 CFR part 450 to streamline licensing and reduce regulatory burden. The proposal clarifies the conditions under which a vehicle operator using flight abort as a hazard control strategy is not required to abort a flight. It would specify that this exception applies only to a phase of flight when the stated conditions are met. Comments are due December 9, 2026.

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