Pfluger, Whitesides Push Bill to Speed Up U.S. Space Launches

WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives August Pfluger (TX-11) and George Whitesides (CA-27) introduced legislation to codify President Trump's bold actions to advance long-overdue regulatory reforms, to keep the United States at the forefront of space exploration and dominance.

The LAUNCH Act would streamline commercial space launches to enhance U.S. competitiveness in space, a crucial endeavor as adversaries like China intensify their own space ambitions.

“President Reagan once described space as a 'new frontier', noting that our willingness to explore it 'will reflect whether America's men and women today have the same bold vision, courage, and indomitable spirit that made us a great nation.’ He was right. Space exploration and dominance are vital to America's long-term strength and security,” said Rep. Pfluger. “As adversaries like China seek to weaponize and exploit the space domain and the emerging technologies that come from it, we must implement long-overdue regulatory reforms that keep the United States at the forefront. My bill delivers on that mission by modernizing current regulations to support innovation at critical spaceports nationwide, including Midland Spaceport, which I am extremely proud to represent.”

“As someone who has had the privilege of leading both NASA and a commercial space company, I’ve seen firsthand how outdated and duplicative regulations can slow down American innovation,” said Rep. Whitesides. “The LAUNCH Act will cut red tape, improve coordination across agencies, and make it easier for U.S. companies in my district and across the country to compete and lead in the global space economy. By streamlining these processes, we’re ensuring that America remains at the forefront of aerospace discovery and opportunity.”

Read the full text of the legislation here. 

Earlier this year, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Read more here.

Several outside organizations, including the Commercial Space Federation and Midland Spaceport, support the legislation.

Dave Cavossa, CSF President, said, “The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) applauds the introduction of the LAUNCH Act by Congressman Pfluger and Congressman Whitesides. Streamlining regulations for commercial space launch and reentry and commercial remote sensing will ensure that red tape doesn’t stand in the way of national priorities like returning to the Moon and winning the next space race.

Background:

Commercial space regulations were developed in an era with limited industry activity. These regulations require modernization to adapt to ongoing technological developments and anticipated growth, while maintaining safety and reducing bureaucratic burdens. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approval process for commercial space launches is onerous and subject to arbitrary minimum review timelines, which gives foreign adversaries an economic and national security advantage. To maintain America’s competitive position, the FAA must be able to efficiently approve weekly and, eventually, daily launch and reentry operations by multiple companies in a manner that reduces the burden on the commercial space industry and government resources.

The LAUNCH Act would require:

• The Federal Aviation Administration to streamline the application of regulations for commercial space launches and reentry requirements by eliminating duplicative efforts and taking industry feedback into account;
• Continued support of the Aerospace Rulemaking Committee that includes launch providers;
• The Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA) within the U.S. Department of Commerce to streamline licensing of private remote sensing space systems or satellites;
• The FAA and CRSRA to provide assistance to applicants to help them navigate licensing processes;
• Elevation of the Commercial Space Transportation office to directly under the Secretary of Transportation;
• And the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to report on flight safety and workforce collaboration.