FAA Commercial Space Launch and Reentry Statutory Waivers

Current understanding

To be populated as evidence accumulates.

2026-10-05 — Lightning Hazard Mitigation Burden-Reducing Exception: cross-connection with commercial-space-launch-reentry-licensing: Both narrow FAA mechanisms for reducing specific regulatory burdens on commercial launch/reentry operators — one via rule-level exception (lightning hazard), the other via statutory waiver. (novelty: 2)
2003-07-24 — Commercial Space Transportation Act of 2003: cross-connection with commercial-space-transportation: Both concern the FAA’s commercial space licensing regime; the 2003 authorization funds the office that administers launch/reentry waivers. (novelty: 2)
2026-08-25 — The National Space Transportation Policy: cross-connection with national-space-transportation-policy: A national space transportation policy would set the executive-branch framework within which FAA commercial launch/reentry licensing and waivers operate. (novelty: 3)
2026-07-30 — Waiver of Specified Statutory Requirements for Commercial Space Launch and Reentry Actions: FAA proposed rule would exercise waiver authority to set aside specified requirements under 13 U.S. statutes for commercial space launch, reentry, site licenses, and experimental permits when those requirements are not needed to protect public health and safety, property, or U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. (novelty: 3)