Commercial Space Regulations

FAA commercial space transportation regulations are located in Chapter III, Parts 400 to 460, of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The regulations implement statutory requirements. Also check the Commercial Space Transportation Regulations page.

• All Active Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Circulars

Space Place

A how-to video series guide for commercial space operators working with the FAA to obtain a launch, reentry, or site license.

To Start the Application Process

All applicants go through a similar Process. These can include a license, permit, or approval.

To start a process contact Commercial Space Transportation (PDF).

NOTE: This process is only for prospective applicants seeking pre-application consultation with the FAA. Use of this contact information for other purposes may not receive a response.

Pre-Application Checklists

To help in the pre-application process, Commercial Space Transportation provides simple application checklists organizations may use when applying for a launch or reentry license, experimental permit, launch site operator license, or safety approval. These checklists are available to assist applicants in developing a comprehensive, compliant, and complete application for Commercial Space Transportation review and approval.

• Part 413 License Application Procedures Checklist (MS Excel)
• Part 414 Safety Approvals Checklist (MS Excel)
• Part 420 License to Operate Launch Site Checklist (MS Excel)
• Part 433 License to Operate Reentry Site Checklist (MS Excel)
• Part 437 Experimental Permits Checklist (MS Excel)
• Part 440 Financial Responsibility Checklist (MS Excel)
• Part 450: Pre-Application Consultation Checklist (PDF)
• Part 460 Human Space Flight Checklist (MS Excel)

Step by Step Process for all Applicants

All applicants go through a similar Process. These can include a license, permit, or approval.

To start a process contact Commercial Space Transportation (PDF).

Initial Discussions

1. Begins with conversations on the applicant's Concept of Operations (CONOP)
2. A Commercial Space Transportation POC is assigned to the applicant
3. A regulatory path is defined based on the applicant's CONOP
4. Movement into Pre-App depends on License/Permit/Approval

1. Pre-Application Consultation

1. A full pre-app team is assigned to the applicant
2. The license documents may be created and submitted to Commercial Space Transportation for feedback and refinement
3. The environmental process (NEPA) begins [if applicable]
4. The airspace and U.S. Coast Guard discussions begin [if applicable]
5. Ends when the application is submitted formally and accepted by Commercial Space Transportation for evaluation

2. Application Evaluation

1. 120 days for permits (statutory requirement)
2. 180 days for licenses (statutory requirement)
3. 180 days for approvals (internal AST requirement)

3. License Issuance/Denial

1. If a license/permit/approval is issued, Safety Inspectors conduct inspections.

Commercial Space Transportation Process — Site/Vehicle Operator License

After License Issuance

1. Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
2. Modifications
3. Renewal