COMSTAC Working Groups

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The Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) addresses commercial launch industry issues through working groups. These groups provide information, reports, and recommendations to the full Committee for adoption. COMSTAC also establishes ad hoc working groups or special task groups as needed.

Business/Legal Working Group

The Business/Legal Working Group (BLWG) is responsible for issues concerning commercial space policy, regulations, market, and liability. In 2009, this working group provided recommendations to the FAA regarding the extension of commercial space launch indemnification in the Commercial Space Launch Act. During the first quarter of 2012, the working group responded to an FAA request for insight on the issues surrounding insuring NASA astronauts on commercial launches.

Export Controls Working Group

The Export Controls Working Group (ECWG) analyzes current laws and regulations related to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the export controls process, in order to identify specific, practical actions that will allow the U.S. commercial space transportation industry to prosper globally without harming national security. Established in October 2009, the ECWG examines ways of improving the efficacy of America's export control regime for commercial space systems and operations.

Operations Working Group

The Operations Working Group (OWG) identifies key launch operations, support, and processing issues affecting U.S. commercial space competitiveness; supports accessibility of new commercial space ventures to launch sites and services; and investigates options for commercialization/privatization of launch services, support, and facilities. The OWG was formerly the Space Transportation Working Group (STOWG).

Systems Working Group

The Systems Working Group (SWG) identifies and analyzes key safety, technical, policy, and regulatory issues concerning the range of hardware and software involved with commercial space transportation. This will include both expendable launch vehicles and reusable launch vehicles.