FAA
Trump administration tees up National Space Council to offer cohesive strategy, former insider says
The Trump administration has identified representatives of the various government agencies who will serve on the National Space Council, which is likely to hold its first meeting “very, very shortly,” Greg Autry, the administration’s former NASA liaison, said Aug. 30.
Senate restores funding for NASA Earth science and satellite servicing programs
An appropriations bill approved by a Senate committee July 27 would restore funding for several NASA Earth science missions slated for termination by the administration as well as a satellite servicing program.
House offers increase to FAA commercial space office
A spending bill to be marked up by House appropriators July 11 would provide a significant increase to the office responsible for licensing commercial launches, counteracting a planned cut.
Arianespace Soyuz orbits SES-15 carrying FAA hosted payload
Arianespace launched a Soyuz rocket May 18 from Europe’s space center in French Guiana, carrying the electrically propelled SES-15 satellite to geostationary transfer orbit.
More than just fixing the rules: regulating for innovation
A variety of new space technologies are emerging in the U.S. space industry, and policymakers should look for ways to facilitate this innovation and make these technologies more accessible to civil, commercial, and military space customers.
Bridenstine calls on appropriators to fund milspace programs, FAA space office
Congressman Jim Bridenstine, among the leading candidates to be the next NASA administrator, called upon his fellow lawmakers Thursday to support the Pentagon as it adapts to a radically shifting landscape in orbit.
Time for Defense Department to relinquish reigns on SSA, Pentagon expert says
The ever growing number of satellites means a new organization is needed to catalog and track objects in orbit for the commercial space sector, experts said March 7.
FAA commercial space office faces budget squeeze
The FAA’s commercial space office is worried that an anticipated budget increase this year, intended to allow it to hire more staff to keep up with a growing industry, may not be enacted.
Report recommends civil agency for space traffic management
A report prepared for Congress recommends giving a civil agency responsibility for space traffic management work, but stops short of recommending which agency should take on the job.
Report finds commercial spaceports confused about insurance requirements
A new report recommends that the FAA do more to assist commercial spaceports in determining their insurance requirements, but stops short of calling for regulatory changes regarding coverage for non-federal facilities.
Commercial space industry seeks regulatory reforms in the Trump administration
The commercial space industry hopes the administration of President-elect Donald Trump pursues regulatory reforms and continues existing efforts to support its growth.
Industry committee to start work on human spaceflight safety standards
With the FAA restricted from developing safety regulations for people on commercial human spacecraft, an industry standards organization is moving ahead with plans to establish a committee to develop a voluntary set of standards.
FAA estimates space traffic management costs at under $100 million
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration estimates it can take over the job of providing collision warnings for most satellites from the Air Force for “well under” $100 million if it receives authority to do so.
FAA and Pentagon foresee gradual transition of space traffic management activities
Defense Department and FAA officials foresee a gradual transition of space traffic management responsibilities from one agency to the other should the federal government decide to move head with such proposals.
House members express support for SpaceX accident investigation
Two dozen members of the House of Representatives have signed a letter supporting the ongoing SpaceX Falcon 9 investigation, a counterpoint to an earlier letter signed by other members critical of how that investigation is being handled.
Congressmen seek answers about Falcon 9 accident
Ten members of Congress sent a letter to several government agencies about the Sept. 1 explosion of a SpaceX Falcon 9, raising questions about government use and oversight of the launch vehicle.
