The United States government is moving to overhaul how private space companies are regulated, with an emphasis on streamlining oversight and speeding up essential licensing for launches. Reuters reported that the administration is preparing a decree aimed at modernizing the regulatory framework governing rocket and satellite operations carried out by private firms. The document is expected to address the entire lifecycle of space activities, from preliminary approvals to post-launch compliance, and to introduce clearer pathways for industry participants to navigate the approval process with greater predictability.
Central to the proposed changes is the creation of a more accessible licensing pathway that would allow applicants to complete many steps online through a dedicated government portal. This online capability is designed to reduce bureaucratic friction, shorten timelines, and provide a transparent, auditable record of the licensing workflow. The anticipated decree would also clarify the criteria used to evaluate safety, reliability, and national security considerations, helping firms plan missions with improved confidence while ensuring that rigorous standards remain in place.
Sources indicate that the decree could have been signed during 2023, signaling a near-term shift in how the federal government approaches private sector space activities. If enacted, the reforms would mark a significant escalation in the integration of commercial space companies into the national space program, while maintaining strong safeguards to oversee launches, remote sensing operations, and satellite deployment. The broader goal appears to be to foster innovation and competition in the commercial space sector while preserving a robust regulatory environment that protects public safety and space assets.
In related development, reports have identified a parallel initiative to upgrade the equipment used by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. A contract valued at 97.2 million dollars was awarded to Collins Aerospace to develop a next-generation spacesuit system intended to replace older models. The new design aims to enhance mobility, reduce suit mass, and improve life-support efficiency during spacewalks, which would help crews conduct maintenance and scientific tasks with greater ease and safety. The project includes ground-based testing and a space environment simulator to validate performance before any in-orbit demonstrations.
According to timelines outlined by officials, the new spacesuit system is expected to undergo a comprehensive testing program on Earth, with simulated space conditions used to verify durability and functionality. If subsequent evaluations prove successful, the first spacewalk using the upgraded suit could take place within a few years, with the potential for broader deployment across ISS operations. The emphasis on lighter, more compact suits reflects ongoing efforts to advance human spaceflight capabilities and extend the operational life of long-duration missions, ultimately contributing to future exploration goals and international collaboration in low Earth orbit.