The Commerce Department’s Office of Space Commerce is moving forward with a voluntary certification system for novel space activities not regulated by other agencies, after receiving White House approval. The office announced the next step July 23 and plans to issue a call for initial applicants in the Federal Register.
The Space Commerce Certification program, first proposed in March, would let companies submit information about proposed activities for an interagency review process. Applications would carry a “presumption of approval,” meaning they auto-grant after 120 days if the office takes no action. The system covers activities that fall outside the licensing authority of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications Commission, including satellite servicing, commercial space stations, and novel orbital operations.
OSC director Taylor Jordan told a House Science Committee hearing on July 15 that the office had submitted its proposal to the White House and anticipated approval. The certification is voluntary because OSC lacks statutory authority to require it, but Jordan argued that companies will participate because it could streamline other licensing requirements, including FAA payload reviews and FCC orbital debris mitigation plans.
The certification is intended to ensure US compliance with the Outer Space Treaty, which requires signatories to authorize and supervise space activities by their nationals. The office plans to start with mature technologies and missions that are nearing operational status.
