LAUNCH Act

Key Points

• Directs the Transportation Department to review current space launch licensing rules and recommend ways to cut delays and confusion.
• Requires a new online system so companies can submit space launch permits, track where their application is, and get updates; limited to $5 million from existing FAA funds.
• Pushes the Transportation Department to speed up reviews by accepting reasonable safety plans from companies and assigning a team lead to guide each application.
• Creates a new Commercial Space Transportation Administration inside Transportation, led by an administrator reporting to the Secretary.
• Streamlines licensing for some satellite “imaging” tools by clarifying that certain self-check and safety cameras are not treated like remote-sensing systems. Also requires a study of Commerce’s licensing practices.