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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-faa-commercial-space

Which U.S. agency authorizes commercial launches and reentries?

The FAA, through its Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

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  1. NOAA
  2. The National Park Service
  3. The FAA ✔

Why: Federal law gives the Department of Transportation this job. The FAA's commercial space office authorizes and regulates U.S. commercial launch and reentry operations.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA also authorizes launch and reentry site operations.

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Commercial rockets file their paperwork before filing into space.
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References

Answer: The FAA. Federal law gives the Department of Transportation this job. The FAA's commercial space office authorizes and regulates U.S. commercial launch and reentry operations.

  1. FAA Commercial Space Transportation www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/faa_regulations/commercial_space
    to oversee, authorize, and regulate both launches and reentries of launch and reentry vehicles
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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