14 CFR Part 400 - BASIS AND SCOPE

This action delays the effective date for a direct final rule that was published on August 22, 2012. In that rule, the FAA amends the scope of its regulations to allow launch operators that conduct certain amateur rocket launches an opportunity to voluntarily apply for a commercial space transportation license or experimental permit. The FAA has received several adverse comments to this rule, and delays the effective date to allow time for adequate analysis and a final determination. This document also corrects the regulatory identification number on the original publication.

The FAA is amending the scope of its regulations to allow launch operators that conduct certain amateur rocket launches an opportunity to voluntarily apply for a commercial space transportation license or experimental permit.

In 2010, Congress transferred the statute authorizing the FAA's commercial space transportation regulations. This action is necessary to correct affected citations in the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect this transfer of authority. The intended effect of this action is to make the affected regulations comply with the statute.

This action delays the effective date for a direct final rule that was published on August 22, 2012. In that rule, the FAA amends the scope of its regulations to allow launch operators that conduct certain amateur rocket launches an opportunity to voluntarily apply for a commercial space transportation license or experimental permit. The FAA has received several adverse comments to this rule, and delays the effective date to allow time for adequate analysis and a final determination. This document also corrects the regulatory identification number on the original publication.

The FAA proposes to exclude tethered launches as defined in this proposal from the existing licensing requirements. This proposed rule would maintain public safety for these launches by providing launch vehicle operators with clear and simple criteria for a safe tethered launch. The FAA would not require a license, permit or waiver for tethered launches that satisfy the design and operational criteria proposed here.

The FAA is amending the scope of its regulations to allow launch operators that conduct certain amateur rocket launches an opportunity to voluntarily apply for a commercial space transportation license or experimental permit.

In 2010, Congress transferred the statute authorizing the FAA's commercial space transportation regulations. This action is necessary to correct affected citations in the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect this transfer of authority. The intended effect of this action is to make the affected regulations comply with the statute.