The US Department of Transportation has introduced five proposed rules to update the Part 450 commercial space licensing framework. These changes, announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, originate from the SPACE Task Force, which was established on September 9 to coordinate national space policy and streamline launch and reentry regulations.
The initiative aims to support the White House objective of reaching 1,000 commercial launches and reentries annually by 2030. Proposed adjustments include clarifying public-risk limit requirements, such as removing the term 'hypothetical' from blast analysis rules to ensure operators focus on existing infrastructure rather than future population projections.
Part 450, which took effect in March 2021, previously faced industry criticism for increasing administrative burdens. Following a February 2025 inquiry by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and an executive order from President Donald Trump in August 2025, the DOT is now working to amend the licensing process. Over the past five years, the framework has issued 14 licenses.
Acting Deputy FAA Administrator Liam McKenna stated that these proposals represent the initial phase of efforts to reduce regulatory complexity. The public comment period for the new rules remains open until November 4.
