licenses
Legacy Regulations
This page is intended as a repository for legacy launch and reentry regulations (Part 415/417, Part 431, or Part 435) that were removed from the CFR on March 10, 2026. Licenses issued under Legacy Regulations expired no later than March 9, 2026, and no new license applications are being accepted under legacy regulations. Vehicle operators needed to come into compliance with Part 450 to continue operations after March 9, 2026.
If you are seeking...
Experimental Permits for Reusable Suborbital Rockets
The Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 (CSLAA), enacted on December 23, 2004, directed the Secretary of Transportation and the FAA through delegations, to establish an experimental permit regime for developmental reusable suborbital rockets or reusable launch vehicle. Under the CSLAA, the FAA has the authority to issue experimental permits instead of licenses for the launch and reentry of reusable suborbital rockets or reusable launch vehicles for limited purposes. Previously,...
Amateur Rockets
Amateur rocket launches are often a first step in launch program development or as a pinnacle for rocketry organizations (i.e., university clubs). Amateur rocketry operations are not licensed by the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation since they are not regulated under 14 CFR Chapter III. The FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO) regulates amateur rocketry under 14 CFR Part 101 Subpart C—Amateur Rockets...
Getting Started with Licensing
Commercial Space Transportation Assistance Tool
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