Industry Perspectives on Improving the Launch and Reentry License Process

As commercial space launches accelerate, the demand for high-fidelity Flight Safety Analysis (FSA) to support launch licenses has intensified, revealing significant bottlenecks in the FAA approval process. This panel will address the challenges facing industry stakeholders, including the overwhelming licensing demand and the complexities of non-compliant applications. Key FAA measures, such as bi-weekly FSA Office Hours and the publication of Advisory Circulars, are already in place to improve application quality, but further enhancements are essential.

Panelists will discuss the need for standardized validation cases for launch and reentry events, which could help align industry practices with FAA expectations and streamline the Safety Element Approval process. Additionally, the impending transition to Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS) by October 2025 will require proactive measures to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays. Join us for an insightful discussion on optimizing FSA processes to support the growing commercial space sector.