Brought forward by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, H.R. 6007 would give the Secretary of Transportation the authority to conduct aeronautical studies at spaceports, allowing the FAA to study the potential impact of structures on spacecraft arriving or departing from a licensed launch site.
Most space ports are located at existing airports, such as Mojave Air and Space Port, which is classified as a "General Aviation" airport.
"Mojave Air and Space Port is pleased to see another positive step forward in protecting the operational investment by so many, government and private sector alike." Karina Drees, CEO Mojave Air and Space Port, said.
Because of this, the FAA is limited to the metrics prescribed for studying potential structural obstructions to general aviation airports and aircraft, and is unable to take into account the unique trajectories of suborbital vehicles.
Additionally, the bill requires rulemaking to implement this requirement within 18 months of enactment.
So far, it has been endorsed by the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, Virgin Galactic and the Spaceship Company.
"Mojave Air and Space Port is pleased to see another positive step forward in protecting the operational investment by so many, government and private sector alike." Karina Drees, CEO Mojave Air and Space Port, said.
