Policy
Stories about space regulations and policy, and what they mean for companies.
Commerce Unveils One-Stop Licensing Proposal For Novel Space Missions
The plan is the latest step in the years-long saga surrounding mission authorization—or which agencies have regulatory authority over novel space missions that don’t fit into the existing framework.
SpaceX v. Amazon Heats Up at the FCC
In a world where regulatory filings can feel dull and dry, this case brings the drama—and the snark. Let’s walk through how these two satcom mega constellations are publicly dueling in a governmental arena.
FAA Ends Part 450 Transition Period
The FAA announced Tuesday that US launchers had all transitioned to the five-year-old licensing requirements, leaving no one still operating under legacy regulations.
Q&A With Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity
Jaffart is leading the charge to build up ESA’s defensive posture. Payload chatted with him to hear his plans for the new role.
FCC Wants ‘Weird Space’ Missions To Get Spectrum, Too
The FCC has a plan to support the space industry sectors that feel more science fiction than fact.
NASA Authorization Could Kick Start Space Nuclear Power
The fate of the NASA authorization bill being considered by Congress now could be a make or break moment for the budding space nuclear power sector, according to one company.
US Chamber Fighting For Licensing, ITAR Reform in 2026
“How do we encourage the government to take the necessary actions to modernize our space infrastructure? That includes physical, policy and regulatory,” Neal said. “I think it will be tough for industry to grow and mature, if we don’t have that.”
Congress is Considering a NASA Authorization Bill—Again
Recently, it’s become an annual exercise for lawmakers, and a stated priority for committee leaders past and present. However, past bills have stalled and failed to codify the space agency’s missions.
Budget Cuts Deal Another Blow to UK Space Sector
While the rest of Europe pours record funds into ESA and their own national research institutions, the UK seems to be taking a step in the other direction.
House Minibus Bill Would Kill Mars Sample Return
The dozens of tubes of Martian dust collected so far by the Perseverance rover are waiting for a ride that may never come.
Top 5 of 2025: Policy
The year in space policy ended with a bang, with the confirmation of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Trump Signs Space Superiority Executive Order
President Donald Trump laid out a clear vision—and timeline—for America’s next steps in space in an executive order signed Thursday afternoon.
