Federal agencies must speed commercial space approvals and reviews

The Transportation Secretary must speed or reduce environmental reviews and other barriers for launch and reentry licenses and permits, where allowed by law. This applies to United States-based operators seeking launch or reentry approvals and to relevant Department of Transportation rules. The Secretary must act consistently with existing law. The review must consider safety systems, certified hybrid vehicles, reentry reliability, and requirements that are not closely tied to actual launch or reentry. The Secretary must report planned or completed actions to the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy. The report is due within 120 days of August 13, 2025.

Federal agencies must coordinate and speed reviews, permits, leases, and other approvals for spaceport infrastructure. This covers spaceport projects, including projects on Federal lands, and preserves space-launch capacity needed for national security and Federal space exploration. Commerce must evaluate State compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act and whether related State approvals should be revoked. Agencies must identify local or State limits on spaceport development that may conflict with Federal law. Any new environmental review exclusions must apply only to actions that normally do not significantly affect the human environment. Implementation remains subject to applicable law and available funding. The required evaluation and agency memorandum are due within 180 days of August 13, 2025.

The Commerce Secretary must propose a process for reviewing and approving or denying certain novel space missions. The proposal covers activities governed by Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty but not clearly governed by existing regulatory systems. The proposal must seek agency input, set a firm timeline for decisions, and give applicants clear and consistent requirements. This direction does not apply to human spaceflight. The order requires a proposal, not immediate authorization of these activities. The proposal is due within 150 days of August 13, 2025.

Transportation and Commerce officials must make specified organizational changes for commercial space policy and oversight. The changes affect the Transportation Secretary’s office, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Commerce Department’s Office of Space Commerce. The FAA appointment must be made under the Transportation Secretary’s direction. Assigned Transportation functions may be carried out by the FAA Administrator under that direction. The order preserves agency authority and applies subject to available appropriations. The required positions and office change must be established within 60 days of August 13, 2025.