Policy
Stories about space regulations and policy, and what they mean for companies.
White House Requests $18.8B FY27 Budget for NASA
The budget proposal includes the same top line as the administration’s fiscal 2026 request, and would make similar cuts to NASA’s science and STEM missions.
Insurance is Commercial Space Nuclear’s Biggest Headache
Lots of challenges face commercial space nuclear missions—but experts at an industry seminar on Thursday only called one a “show stopper”—insurance.
Jared Isaacman Hits 100 Days In Office With a Bang
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has one message: Get in, we’re going to the Moon.
Lawmakers Question NASA’s Shifting Vision for CLDs
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman proposed a new plan for America’s human presence in LEO that left many lawmakers scratching their heads.
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.
