Space Systems Development Division

The Space Systems Development Division (AST-100) provides space systems engineering, space policy, and economic and launch forecast capabilities. AST-100 conducts initial consultations with prospective launch and site operations license applicants to introduce them to the AST licensing process. The division supports AST's regulatory mission through the development of requirements and criteria for the regulation of advanced launch concepts and launch site technologies. Other activities include the evaluation of environmental impacts of new launch vehicles and launch sites, the management of AST's research and development activities , and the integration of space launch activities into a Space and Air Traffic Management System (SATMS) as part of the FAA's National Airspace (NAS) modernization activity.

AST-100 develops long-range commercial launch forecasts based on the markets for established and new satellite services and identifies both domestic and international future space markets and industry trends. As part of its policy role, AST works with the interagency community to develop space transportation policies and works closely with other federal agencies on issues relating to the use of U.S. commercial launch services. AST-100 also works with other government agencies to monitor trading practices in the worldwide launch market and to develop policy guidelines for free and fair trade in commercial launch services for international launch services providers.