LAUNCH Act
The LAUNCH Act is a broad regulatory reform package intended to accelerate and simplify the licensing and permitting process for private space launches, reentries, and certain private remote sensing systems. Key elements include a formal review of current launch regulations (Part 450) to identify delays and uncertainty, creation of a new Commercial Space Transportation Administration within the Department of Transportation to centralize oversight, a digital licensing system to track and publicly display application status, and stronger efforts to streamline licensing processes (including dedicated licensing officers and faster interagency review). The bill also emphasizes innovation in licensing approaches, requires annual briefings to Congress, and directs additional oversight through GAO reporting. It further seeks to improve coordination on flight safety analysis with DoD and NASA and expands streamlined licensing for private remote sensing systems. In short, the bill aims to reduce delays, increase transparency, and modernize the regulatory framework so that U.S. private space activities can operate more efficiently while maintaining safety and national security considerations.
Key Points
- 1Creation of the Commercial Space Transportation Administration within the Department of Transportation, headed by an Administrator who reports to the Secretary of Transportation, to oversee commercial space launch, reentry activities, and related licensing.
- 2Digital licensing, permitting, and approval system mandated for Section 50905 activities: a publicly accessible, off-the-shelf system to track applications from receipt to final decision, with real-time notifications and quarterly updates.
- 3Streamlined licensing processes for both space activities and private remote sensing systems: to accept reasonable safety rationales from applicants, assign dedicated licensing officers to assist applicants, and reduce duplicative interagency reviews and unnecessary regulatory steps (including use of Federal ranges).
- 4Evaluation and reform of existing regulations: a formal 120-day review of Part 450 implementation (with a report to Congress within 90 days after the review) to assess delays, uncertainty, and timelines, plus recommendations for reforms that do not rely solely on more personnel or funding.
- 5Governance and oversight enhancements: annual congressional briefings on licensing timelines and processes; GAO study within one year on Department of Commerce remote sensing policies and practices, plus potential memoranda of understanding to share flight-safety analysis resources among DoD, DOT, and NASA.
- 6Workforce and organizational changes: authority for direct-hire noncompetitive appointments in the Commercial Space Transportation Administration and annual reporting on the use of these authorities; establishment of the Commercial Space Transportation Administration to centralize leadership and accountability for licensing and permitting.
- 7Funding and implementation guardrails: a specified funding cap (up to $5 million) to develop the digital licensing system, with broader administrative changes funded through existing or appropriated DOT and FAA accounts.