14 C.F.R. Subpart A—General
Title 14 - Aeronautics and Space
This part prescribes requirements for obtaining a license to launch a launch vehicle, other than a reusable launch vehicle (RLV), and post-licensing requirements with which a licensee shall comply to remain licensed. Requirements for preparing a license application are contained in part 413 of this subchapter. Requirements for obtaining a license to launch an RLV and conduct an RLV mission are contained in part 431 of this subchapter. [Doc. No. FAA–1999–5535, 65 FR 56658, Sept. 19, 2000] (a) Launch-specific license. A launch-specific license authorizes a licensee to conduct one or more launches, having the same launch parameters, of one type of launch vehicle from one launch site. The license identifies, by name or mission, each launch authorized under the license. A licensee's authorization to launch terminates upon completion of all launches authorized by the license or the expiration date stated in the license, whichever occurs first. (b) Launch operator license. A launch operator license authorizes a licensee to conduct launches from one launch site, within a range of launch parameters, of launch vehicles from the same family of vehicles transporting specified classes of payloads. A launch operator license remains in effect for five years from the date of issuance. To obtain a launch license, an applicant must obtain policy and safety approvals from the FAA. Requirements for obtaining these approvals are contained in subparts B, C and F of this part. Only a launch license applicant may apply for the approvals, and may apply for either approval separately and in advance of submitting a complete license application, using the application procedures contained in part 413 of this subchapter. A payload determination is required for a launch license unless the proposed payload is exempt from payload review under §415.53 of this part. The FAA conducts a payload review, as described in subpart D of this part, to make the determination. Either a launch license applicant or a payload owner or operator may request a review of its proposed payload using the application procedures contained in part 413 of this subchapter. Upon receipt of an application, the FAA may conduct a payload review independently of a launch license application. (a) The FAA issues a launch license to an applicant who has obtained all approvals and determinations required under this chapter for a license. (b) A launch license authorizes a licensee to conduct a launch or launches in accordance with the representations contained in the licensee's application, subject to the licensee's compliance with terms and conditions contained in license orders accompanying the license, including financial responsibility requirements. The FAA may modify a launch license at any time by modifying or adding license terms and conditions to ensure compliance with the Act and regulations. (a) Only the FAA may transfer a launch license. (b) An applicant for transfer of a launch license shall submit a license application in accordance with part 413 of this subchapter and shall meet the requirements of part 415 of this subchapter. The FAA will transfer a license to an applicant who has obtained all of the approvals and determinations required under this chapter for a license. In conducting its reviews and issuing approvals and determinations, the FAA may incorporate by reference any findings made part of the record to support the initial licensing determination. The FAA may modify a license to reflect any changes necessary as a result of a license transfer. Issuance of a launch license does not relieve a licensee of its obligation to comply with all applicable requirements of law or regulation that may apply to its activities, nor does issuance confer any proprietary, property or exclusive right in the use of any federal launch range or related facilities, airspace, or outer space.
Title 14: Aeronautics and Space
PART 415—LAUNCH LICENSE
Subpart A—General
§ 415.1 Scope.
§ 415.3 Types of launch licenses.
§ 415.5 Policy and safety approvals.
§ 415.7 Payload determination.
§ 415.9 Issuance of a launch license.
§ 415.11 Additional license terms and conditions.
§ 415.13 Transfer of a launch license.
§ 415.15 Rights not conferred by launch license.
§§ 415.16-415.20 [Reserved]
