Launch Site Safety Review and Approval

The purpose of the safety review is to determine whether you can safely conduct your proposed operation. Because the licensee is responsible for public safety, it is important that the applicant demonstrate an understanding of the hazards involved and discuss how the operations will be performed safely.

Procedures for completing the Safety Review are described in 14 CFR Part 420.51-Part 420.71.

Launch Site Location Review

To gain approval for a launch site location, an applicant shall demonstrate that for each launch point proposed for the launch site, at least one type of expendable or reusable launch vehicle can be flown from the launch point safely.

Procedures for completing the launch Site Location Review are described in 14 CFR Part 420.19-Part 420.29.

You may submit data related to the policy review and safety review together as a single package or separately.

Related Documents

Statute

• 49 USC, Subtitle IX, Chapter 701, July 2007 (PDF) (Commercial Space Launch Activities)

Regulations

• 14 CFR Parts 401, 417, and 420 (PDF) - Licensing and Safety Requirements for Operation of a Launch Site; Final Rule (10/19/2000)
• Licensing and Safety Requirements for Launch; Final Rule (PDF), August 25, 2006
• Miscellaneous Changes to Commercial Space Transportation Regulations; Final Rule (PDF), August 31, 2006
• 14 CFR Chapter III (PDF) (FAA/AST Regulations)
• 14 CFR Parts 413 and 414 - Safety Approval Final Rule (PDF) August 15, 2006
• 14 CFR Parts 401, 411, 413, 415, and 417 (PDF) - Commercial Space Transportation Licensing Regulations; Final Rule (Effective 6/21/1999)
• 14 CFR Chapter III Parts 400-415 (PDF) - Commercial Space Transportation Licensing Regulations (4/4/1988)

Guidelines

• Hazard Analysis of Commercial Space Transportation (PDF) (10/1995)
• Impacting Inert Debris for People in the Open (PDF) (4/1995)

Advisory Circulars

• Advisory Circular (PDF), Expected Casualty Calculations for Commercial Space Launch and Reentry Missions, AC 431.35-1 (8/30/2000)
• Advisory Circular (PDF), License Application Procedures, AC 413-1 (8/16/1999)