Expendable Launch Vehicle Compliance Monitoring

We monitor licensees compliance with the Commercial Space Launch Act, the Commercial Space Transportation Licensing Regulations, and the terms and conditions set forth in its license. A licensee shall allow access by, and cooperate with, federal officers or employees or other individuals authorized by FAA to observe any activities of the licensee, or of the licensee's contractors or subcontractors, associated with the conduct of a licensed activity. We verify that you are operating in accordance with the representations contained in your application.

We must also ensure that no one is engaged in commercial space transportation operations illegally, that is, without a license.

For specific rules and regulations, see 49 U.S.C. Section 70104(a) and 14 CFR Section 413.3. For small-scaled (amateur) rocket activities that are exempt from licensing, see 14 CFR Section 401.5.

ASTs enforcement mechanisms include:

• Suspensions or Revocations, 49 U.S.C. Section 70107(c) and 14 CFR Section 405.3
• Emergency Orders, 49 U.S.C. Section 70108 and 14 CFR Section 405.5
• Civil Penalties, 49 U.S.C. Section 70115 and 14 CFR Section 405.7

Related Documents

Statute

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

Regulations

• 14 CFR Parts 405 and 406 (PDF) - Civil Penalty Actions in Commercial Space Transportation (1/10/2001)
• 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)