What Happened
Streamlined Process Aims to Reduce Regulatory Constraints on Commercial Space Activity
The US Department of Commerce’s Office of Space Commerce has launched a pilot program to test a new mission authorization process for novel in-space activities. The program, called Space Commerce Certification, aims to coordinate federal review and reduce regulatory constraints on commercial space activity. Interested US space operators can submit expressions of interest by October 5, 2026. The pilot program is part of a broader push to support the growth of the commercial space industry, as outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 17. This development was first reported by K&L Gates LLP.