A Payload Review is normally performed as part of a launch or reentry authorization. However, an applicant may request a Payload Review and determination in advance of and separately from a launch or reentry authorization.

In accordance with 14 CFR § 450.43, the FAA reviews a payload proposed for launch or reentry to determine whether a license applicant or payload owner or operator has obtained all required licenses, authorizations, and permits, unless the payload is exempt from a Commercial Space Transportation review under 14 CFR § 450.43. The FAA does not make a determination for those aspects of payloads that are subject to regulation by the Federal Communications Commission or the Department of Commerce or payloads owned or operated by the U.S. Government. If not otherwise exempt, Commercial Space Transportation reviews a payload to determine whether its proposed launch or reentry would jeopardize public health and safety, safety of property, U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, or international obligations of the United States. As part of the review, Commercial Space Transportation consults with other agencies, such as the Department of Defense, Department of State, and NASA.

In accordance with 14 CFR § 450.43, an applicant must identify the following:

• For launch of a payload: 
  • Payload name or class of payload, and function; 
  • Description, including physical dimensions, weight, composition, and any hosted payloads; 
  • Payload owner and payload operator, if different from the person requesting payload review and determination; 
  • Any foreign ownership of the payload or payload operator, as specified in § 450.41(e)(3);
  • Hazardous materials as defined in § 401.7 of this chapter, radioactive materials, and the amounts of each; 
  • Explosive potential of payload materials, alone and in combination with other materials found on the payload; 
  • For orbital launches, parameters for parking, transfer and final orbits, and approximate transit times to final orbit; 
  • Delivery point in flight at which the payload will no longer be under the licensee's control; 
  • Intended operations during the lifetime of the payload, including anticipated life span and any planned disposal; 
  • Any encryption associated with data storage on the payload and transmissions to or from the payload; and 
  • Any other information necessary to make a determination based on public health and safety, safety of property, U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, or international obligations of the United States.
• For reentry of a payload: 
  • Payload name or class of payload, and function; 
  • Physical characteristics, dimensions, and weight of the payload; 
  • Payload owner and payload operator, if different from the person requesting the payload review and determination; 
  • Type, amount, and container of hazardous materials and radioactive materials in the payload; 
  • Explosive potential of payload materials, alone and in combination with other materials found on the payload or reentry vehicle during reentry; and 
  • Designated reentry site.