Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Bill Updating Commercial Space Regulations

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has introduced legislation to update commercial space regulations, drive innovation, and enable the United States to remain competitive in this sector.

Specifically, Sen. Kelly's Licensing Aerospace Units to New Commercial Heights (LAUNCH) Act streamlines the application process for private space launches and the licensing of privately owned remote sensing and satellite systems.

Additionally, the LAUNCH Act requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA) to assist applicants in the process and move the Commercial Space Transportation office under the direct oversight of the Secretary of Transportation, who will report on flight safety and workforce collaboration.

"Outdated regulations shouldn't hold back the advancement of commercial spaceflight," said Sen. Kelly in his press release, adding, "The LAUNCH Act will support innovation and increase competition in the commercial space industry by modernizing the regulations that govern launch and reentry."

Similarly, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), one of the bill's cosponsors, said, "Florida's Space Coast is where our nation's brightest minds innovate and help America reach for the stars. This incredible growth and success have been driven by effective public and private partnerships pushing our nation to the forefront of space exploration."

"I'm honored to work alongside my colleagues in introducing the Licensing Aerospace Units to New Commercial Heights (LAUNCH) Act to eliminate unnecessary government bureaucracy and support American businesses in the space industry," Sen. Scott added.

Finally, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke, "As the pace of China's space ambitions accelerate, the Federal Aviation Administration must be able to approve commercial space launches quickly and efficiently in order to maintain our competitive edge."

"By reducing bureaucratic hurdles for innovators, this legislation would drive scientific advancement and ensure America stays one step ahead of our adversaries in space and beyond," Sen. Cornyn concluded.

Last March, former Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) introduced similar legislation to update safety standards for commercial space travel alongside Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO).