U.S. Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) on May 26 introduced a bipartisan bill that would streamline how private companies access the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial space launches and reentries.
“We are in the midst of a new era in space flight history marked by unprecedented cooperation between the federal government and U.S.-based private companies,” Rep. Flores said on Tuesday. “This legislation will remove outdated regulatory barriers to efficiently and safely support space flight as we build a future of space travel and exploration that is not reliant on the technologies or manpower of any other nation.”
Rep. Flores cosponsored the Leveraging American Understanding of Next-generation Challenges Exploring Space (LAUNCHES) Act, H.R. 7021, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) to eliminate the unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that hamper private companies from obtaining spectrum licenses required to launch rockets from U.S. soil into space, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Flores’ office.
If enacted, H.R. 7021 would require the Federal Communications Commission to streamline the launch authorization process for commercial launches, thereby permitting multi-launch authorizations and an automated frequency review process, among other provisions.
“The extent to which regulations and restrictions have been imposed in the rocket launching process only delay those who seek to make progress on this frontier,” said Rep. Soto. “The LAUNCHES Act is absolutely critical in enabling future developments and maintaining global competitiveness in the space sector.”
The Commercial Spaceflight Federation applauded the introduction of the bill. “This timely and important legislation supports America’s national security, civil space, and commercial space objectives by modernizing federal launch spectrum licensing regulations,” said Eric Stallmer, president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation.