The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a new rule requiring reentry licenses for spacecraft before launch if they intend to return to Earth. This decision comes after the FAA learned lessons from Varda Space Industries' experience last year, when the company launched its W-1 mission without a reentry license and faced delays in returning the capsule.
From April 17, 2024, any spacecraft planning to reenter Earth's atmosphere must have a reentry authorization before launch. The FAA's concern for launching without this approval stems from public safety and evaluating the safety of the reentry prior to launch.
Varda Space Industries was the first company to receive a Part 450 reentry license from the FAA in 2021. The FAA's decision to implement this new rule is based on experiences learned during Varda's licensing process and the potential risks associated with unplanned reentries.
The FAA will analyze various details when reviewing applications for reentry licenses, including the payload's weight, hazardous materials present, explosive potential of payload materials, and planned reentry site. This information is crucial to ensure public safety and mitigate collisions with people and property on the ground.
The new rule will not significantly impact companies like SpaceX that have already received reentry licenses. However, it may cause delays for startups attempting to take advantage of new opportunities in space.
Varda Space Industries successfully landed its capsule at the Utah Test and Training Range on February 21, 2024, marking the first time a commercial company has landed a spacecraft on United States soil. The company emphasized that it followed all regulatory requirements to launch W-1.
The FAA's decision to require reentry licenses before launch is an essential step in ensuring public safety and preventing potential collisions with people and property on the ground. This rule will help maintain a safe environment for both space exploration and everyday life.
