The House of Representatives approved a bipartisan measure on Monday that extends the current third-party liability and insurance framework for licensed commercial space launches for one year.
House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act.
“The FAA launch indemnification authority has been in place for over 20 years, and the American commercial space industry has benefited significantly over this time,” Smith said. “Thankfully, the provision has never been triggered by a serious accident. But the stability it provides allows the U.S. to remain competitive in the global market and push the boundaries of space technology…”
The measure would extend areas of the Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments that address third-party liability in licensed commercial space launches.
“…While I would have preferred a longer extension, this bill buys us time to work on a long-term extension that we will take up next year,” Smith said.
Science, Space and Technology Committee Ranking Member Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) said the liability and insurance framework for commercial space transportation has worked well and has not cost taxpayers any money in claims.
“…The one-year extension provides Congress with the time to conduct necessary hearings, perform our due diligence and enable the enactment of a comprehensive update to existing commercial space legislation,” Johnson said.