FAA faces criticism over commercial space launch licensing delays

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is drawing criticism from both industry stakeholders and members of Congress regarding its handling of commercial space launch licensing.

During a House space subcommittee hearing this week, industry officials and lawmakers called out the agency on its implementation of new launch licensing regulations known as Part 450. According to SpaceNews, Dave Cavossa, president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, a group representing several launch companies, criticized the FAA for causing significant licensing delays, creating confusion and threatening the U.S.'s leadership in the sector.

Meanwhile, SpaceX has condemned the FAA for what it calls excessive delays in the licensing process for its upcoming Starship rocket launch, noting that approval is anticipated to take months longer than initially expected. The company says its license for Starship Flight 5 is delayed until at least November despite its readiness since August.