Photo: Launch of SpaceX Dragon to ISS.
Credit: NASA.
FROM: NASA
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NASA have
signed a historic agreement to coordinate standards for commercial
space travel of government and non-government astronauts to and from
low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station (ISS). The two
agencies will collaborate to expand efforts that provide a stable framework for the U.S. space industry, avoid conflicting requirements
and multiple sets of standards, and advance both public and crew
safety.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two agencies
establishes policy for operational missions to the space station.
Commercial providers will be required to obtain a license from the
FAA for public safety. Crew safety and mission assurance will be
NASA's responsibility. This approach allows both agencies to
incorporate experience and lessons learned as progress is made.
"This important agreement between the FAA and NASA will advance our
shared goals in commercial space travel," said U.S. Transportation
Secretary Ray LaHood. "Working together, we will assure clear,
consistent standards for the industry."
"This agreement is the next step in bringing the business of launching
Americans back to American soil," Charles Bolden, NASA administrator
said. "We are fostering private sector innovation while maintaining
high standards of safety and reliability to re-establish U.S.-crewed
access to low-Earth orbit, in-sourcing work to American companies and
encouraging the development of dynamic and cost-effective spaceflight
capabilities built to last."
"The Obama administration recognizes the scientific, technological and
economic benefits of maintaining the United States' leadership in
space travel and exploration," said FAA Acting Administrator Michael
Huerta. "This agreement between the FAA and NASA continues and
advances those vital national interests."
NASA's Commercial Crew Program aims to facilitate development of a
U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of
achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from
low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. The policy
established in the MOU clarifies for potential commercial providers
the regulatory environment for operational missions to the orbiting
laboratory. It also ensures that the two agencies will have
compatible processes for ensuring public safety.
The FAA is responsible for regulating and licensing all U.S. private
companies and individuals involved in commercial space
transportation. To date, the FAA Office of Commercial Space
Transportation has licensed 207 successful launches, including two
non-orbital commercial human space flights in 2004 and the recent
first launch to the ISS and re-entry of a non-manned commercial
spacecraft.
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