Commercial Space Transportation on Airports
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is receiving an increasing number of inquiries from both private industry and airport sponsors to integrate commercial space transportation related activities including establishing commercial space launch/re-entry sites on or near federally obligated airports and airports certificated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 139, Certification of Airports. As more companies enter the market and look to existing airport facilities for operations and testing, it will become vital to understand the unique aspects of integrating commercial space activities into the airport environment.
The Role of the FAA Office of Airports (ARP)
Numerous FAA Offices play unique roles with commercial space transportation. The FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) is the lead office for licensing the operation of launch and reentry sites. The role of the Office of Airports (ARP) is to ensure that federally obligated airports remain safe and accessible for all aeronautical users. Airports interested in pursuing commercial space related activities including rocket engine fueling and/or testing must coordinate in advance with the local FAA Region or District Office (RO/ADO) planners, engineers, environmental specialists, compliance officers and, where applicable, Airport Certification Safety Inspectors to ensure timely and appropriate evaluation of all program areas. ARP will review to address the following areas:
- Standards: ARP is responsible for establishing and maintaining standards for a broad range of airport facility planning, engineering design, construction, operations and maintenance of airport facilities.
- Safety and Operations: ARP will evaluate the compatibility of commercial space activities including proposed rocket engine fueling and/or testing with operations on the airfield. ARP review by the local RO/ADO is likely to occur concurrent with Airport Layout Plan (ALP) updates described in the planning process referenced below. In the interest of safety, the RO/ADO may request site specific safety and/or operational documents deemed beneficial.
At a 14 CFR Part 139 certificated airport, potential impacts to operational safety will also be addressed in updates to the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), Safety Management System (SMS) manual (as applicable), and any other documents required for the airport to maintain Part 139 compliance. Airport operators must coordinate with the designated Airport Certification Safety Inspector in the appropriate Region Office (RO).
The use of Safety Management Systems (SMS) is a risk mitigation tool to identify hazards and safety concerns early in the planning phase of airport projects. The RO/ADO may elect to convene a Safety Risk Management (SRM) panel in accordance with Order 5200.11, current version, for proposed development or operations at non-hub airports and non-primary (general aviation) airports where it is deemed beneficial and appropriate.
- Planning: All federally obligated airports are required to maintain a current ALP that is subject to approval by ARP. The approval is predicated on compliance with FAA design standards and the enduring safety, efficiency, and utility of the airport. Airports must work with the appropriate RO/ADO to review any proposed changes in facilities or operations.
- Environmental: All federally obligated airports must comply with federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and ordinances. In addition, proposals to change the ALP are federal actions subject to environmental review in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). AST will be the lead office, within the FAA, for conducting the NEPA review for a launch/reentry site and/or vehicle operator license with the RO/ADO being a cooperative division to satisfy NEPA requirements triggered by the ALP update. The RO/ADO will be the lead office, within FAA, for conducting the NEPA review for associated changes to the ALP arising from commercial space activities not licensed by AST including proposed rocket engine testing activities at a federally obligated airport.
- Compliance: All federally obligated airports are reminded of their obligations to ensure the safety, efficiency, utility and access to airports. This includes adherence to the relevant safety guidance, standards, risk mitigation tools, and approval processes to establish an acceptable level of safety (ALoS) for the proposed activity. Airports are strongly advised to consult with the designated Airport Compliance Program Manager in the appropriate RO early in the planning phase of any proposed commercial space development proposal.
| Office | Contacts |
|---|---|
| FAA Airports Emerging Entrants Division | General Questions 9-ARP-CommercialSpace-OnAirport@faa.gov |
| Dez Silagyi, Ph.D., Acting Manager 817-222-5919 Dez.Silagyi@faa.gov |
|
| Wes Mittlesteadt, Technical Support Advisor Commercial Space Portfolio Lead 202-267-9462 Wesley.Mittlesteadt@faa.gov |
|
| Jonathan Torres, General Engineer Hydrogen Fuel Storage Subject Matter Expert 609-485-6400 Jonathan.Torres@faa.gov |
Guidance & Policy
- Interim Guidance on Proposed Commercial Space Facilities and Operations at Federally Obligated or Part 139 Airports
- Emerging Entrants Bulletin #25-01, Rocket Engine Testing on Federally Obligated Airports (PDF)
- Hydrogen Storage at Airports (coming soon)
- Series 150 Advisory Circulars (ACs) for Airport Projects
Additional Information
Regulations and Policy
- 14 CFR Part 101: Moored Balloons, Kites, Amateur Rockets, and Unmanned Free Balloons
- 14 CFR Part 139: Airport Certification
- 14 CFR Part 420: License to Operate a Launch Site (Spaceport)
- 14 CFR Part 433: License to Operate a Reentry Site (Spaceport)
- 14 CFR Part 437: Experimental Permits
- 14 CFR Part 450: Launch and Reentry License Requirements (Vehicle Operator Licenses)
Federal Grant Assurances (Obligations)
Airspace Authorizations (Coordinated through FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO))
- Air Traffic Organization Certificate of Waiver or Authorization Instructions
- Air Traffic Organization Certificate of Waiver or Authorization Application
FAA Office of Commercial Space (AST)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Yes. Your local RO/ADO will be the main point of contact for ARP when inquiring about potential commercial space activities/development on a federally obligated airport. The RO/ADO will involve the Airports Emerging Entrants Division (AAS-200) when they are contacted by any entity with interest in commercial space activities/development on or near a federally obligated airport. AAS-200 will collaborate with FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) to determine which office should lead the initial conversations depending on the nature of the specific inquiry. Regardless, the RO/ADO should be aware of any proposed commercial space related activities at an airport and remain involved through completion of the project.
A: All initial inquiries regarding site operator licensing should be coordinated with FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST). Please also notify your local RO/ADO of your interest and intent to request initial discussion with AST. To request an initial discussion with the AST, please complete the contact form here or email ASTPreApp@faa.gov.
A: Yes, please review Emerging Entrants Bulletin 25-01. Rocket engine testing can be associated with commercial space vehicles, amateur rockets, and rocket powered aircraft. Regardless of type, proposed rocket engine testing must be coordinated through your local RO/ADO. As with any on-airport development proposal, the airport is expected to work with the RO/ADO on the planning, environmental, and airspace reviews prior to development and operation. Some activities may also trigger additional FAA authorizations or approvals prior to testing.
A: Please review Emerging Entrants Bulletin 25-01. The FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO) regulates amateur rocketry under 14 CFR Part 101 Subpart C—Amateur Rockets. Amateur rocket authorizations are requested through local air traffic authorities. Amateur rocket operators should coordinate the proposed activities with the airport sponsor, the local RO/ADO, and apply for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization by submitting FAA Form 7711-2. As with any on-airport development proposal, the airport sponsor is expected to work with the RO/ADO RO/ADO on the planning, environmental, compliance, and airspace reviews prior to development and operation. FAA ATO approval of a Certificate of Authorization (CoA) under Part 101 for amateur rocket operations only covers airspace considerations for the proposed operations. It does not examine any impacts to the airport facilities on the ground, or airport operations in general.
A: At this time, commercial space projects (including balloons or amateur rockets) are not required to be included on the ACIP.