OMB Sends FAA Space Waiver NPRM to OMB

Yesterday, the OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) announced that it had received a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on “Waiver of Specified Statutory Requirements for Commercial Space Launch and Reentry Actions”. 

This rulemaking was not listed in the just published 2026 Unified Agenda. The rule would almost certainly amend 14 CFR Part 450. Launch and Reentry License Requirements. That Part does not currently include language that deals with the issue of license waivers. Waivers are authorized under 51 USC 50905(b)(3), but that paragraph specifically prohibits the FAA from issuing a waiver “that would permit the launch or reentry of a launch vehicle or a reentry vehicle without a license or permit if a human being will be on board.” 

I will almost certainly not provide any detailed coverage of this rulemaking. Under my limited Space Geek coverage, I would, however, expect to announce its publication in the appropriate Short Takes post.