FAA Renews Rocket Launch Financial Safety Net Requirements
Published Date: 12/3/2025
Notice
Summary
The FAA wants to keep collecting info from companies that launch rockets to make sure they have enough money to cover any accidents or damage. This helps protect people, property, and the government if something goes wrong during a launch. If you have thoughts, you can share them by January 2, 2026, so the FAA can keep things safe and fair without making extra work.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Launch Applicants Must Submit MPL Details
If you apply to conduct a commercial space launch, you must provide detailed information for a Maximum Probable Loss (MPL) determination under 14 CFR part 440 Appendix A. The FAA lists required items such as mission description, flight sequence, staging events, impact locations, launch site identification, vehicle and propulsion descriptions, payload, and flight safety system.
Mandatory Financial Coverage for Launch Claims
If you are a permitted or licensed commercial launch applicant, you are required to obtain financial coverage for third-party bodily injury or property damage and for covered property damage or loss to the United States and its contractors. The FAA is responsible for determining the amount of financial responsibility required using an MPL analysis.
Paperwork Burden and Comment Deadline
The FAA estimates the information collection affects about 10 applicants, with an average burden of 100 hours per response and a total annual burden of 1,000 hours. The FAA is seeking public comments on renewing this collection, and written comments are requested by January 2, 2026 (OMB Control Number 2120-0601).
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