§50924 Space launch and reentry licensing and permitting user fees

Summary

The Secretary of Transportation must charge a fee for every launch or reentry done under a license or permit under section 50904 starting in 2026. The fee equals the smaller of two amounts: a per-pound rate or a flat maximum for that year. Per-pound rates are: 2026 $0.25; 2027 $0.35; 2028 $0.50; 2029 $0.60; 2030 $0.75; 2031 $1; 2032 $1.25; 2033 $1.50; and for 2034 and later the prior year’s rate increased by the percent change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (all items; United States city average). Flat maximums are: 2026 $30,000; 2027 $40,000; 2028 $50,000; 2029 $75,000; 2030 $100,000; 2031 $125,000; 2032 $170,000; 2033 $200,000; and for 2034 and later the prior year’s amount increased by that same CPI percentage. The fees go into a Treasury account named the “Office of Commercial Space Transportation Launch and Reentry Licensing and Permitting Fund.” Seventy percent of what is deposited is available to pay the Office of Commercial Space Transportation’s expenses and to carry out section 630(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. That 70% can be used without needing more approvals and without a fiscal year limit.