Sen. Moran Urges FAA to Expedite Launch Licenses

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran has called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite its review process for private rocket launch licenses, citing delays that threaten national objectives and the competitiveness of the U.S. space sector. In a letter to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker, Moran highlighted concerns over regulatory inefficiencies and urged the agency's commercial space office to improve transparency and accountability. This criticism aligns with frustrations voiced by industry leaders, including Elon Musk of SpaceX, who assert that slow approvals hinder progress in the rapidly developing space industry. Despite these concerns, the FAA has recently accelerated its licensing process, approving a Starship test license ahead of schedule. Moran emphasized that delays in licensing are detrimental to vital rocket development programs, including those related to national security and lunar missions. He has requested a response from Whitaker by November 8 regarding potential reforms to the FAA's processes.