Office of Commercial Space Transportation

Legislation & Policies

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National governments, acting both independently and cooperatively, develop laws and guidelines to assign responsibility and to provide direction and accountability for space activities, including space transportation. The U.S. Government also works with other countries to develop and advance cooperation and best practices for space transportation operations. The United States reached a decision to formally work with the European Union and other spacefaring nations and in January 2012, the U.S. Department of State released the International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities (PDF).

Key documents governing the development and safe operation of launch vehicles within the United States and internationally are:

National policies

• National Space Policy (2010) (PDF)
• U.S. Space Transportation Policy (2004) (PDF)
• Policy Archive
  • National Space Policy (2006) (PDF)
  • National Space Policy (1996): PDF, MS Word

National legislation

• Commercial Space Launch Act, 51 U.S.C. Ch. 509, §§ 50901-23 (2011)
• Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 (H.R. 5382/P.L. 108-492) (PDF)
• Public Law 108-428 (PDF)
• H.R. 3257 Congressional Report (108-429) (PDF)
• Commercial Space Transportation Competitiveness Act of 2000 (H.R. 2607/P.L. 106-405): PDF, MS Word
• Commercial Space Act of 1998 (H.R. 1702/P.L. 105-303): PDF, MS Word

International treaties

The United States has ratified the following international treaties:

• Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space (1976) (PDF)
• Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972): PDF, MS Word
• Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty of 1967): PDF, MS Word