Both Florida Senators say red tape is holding up space innovation and critical launches, and they are pushing the Federal Aviation Administration for answers.
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott sent a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker requesting clarity on the current approach to issuing launch and reentry licenses.
According to the Florida Republicans, the Federal Aviation Administration’s frequent delays in approving launch and reentry licenses are slowing the innovation and development of space missions. They said the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation must ensure its regulatory framework keeps pace with the rapidly evolving commercial space industry.
Both Senators agree this is crucial to ensure that regulatory restrictions do not inhibit the United States’ leadership in the face of global competition from China and Russia.
“As near-peer competitors continue to make significant strides in their space capabilities, in both developing new vehicles and vast new infrastructure, it is more crucial than ever that our regulatory processes enable commercial and government stakeholders to ensure the United States continues to lead the way,” the letter stated.
The Republican Senators also requested answers to six questions.
Read the full letter from Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker:
RubioScott_FAAletter1
Congress recently passed Democratic Congressman Darren Soto’s Launch Communications Act, which requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to facilitate access to specified broadband spectrum frequencies for commercial space launches and reentries.
