NOAA's Wild Pilot: Fast-Track Approvals for Rule-Breaking Space Missions!
Published Date: 8/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Office of Space Commerce is launching a pilot program to test a new, simpler way for U.S. companies to get permission for cool space missions that don’t fit current rules. If you’re a U.S. space operator, you can apply by October 5, 2026, to join this exciting trial. This program aims to speed up approvals and boost innovation in space without extra costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
SCC could inform FCC/FAA streamlining
OSC intends the SCC process to speed up and simplify authorizations for novel in-space activities; information submitted through the SCC process could potentially be used as a basis for satisfaction or waiver of FCC rules (for example, strategies for mitigating orbital debris) and could serve as an alternative for certain portions of the FAA's payload reviews. The FAA and FCC retain discretion in whether and how to use SCC in their regulatory processes.
Voluntary pilot open to U.S. operators
U.S. entities and U.S. citizens may submit expressions of interest to participate in a pilot of the Space Commerce Certification (SCC) framework. Interested operators must submit their expressions of interest by October 5, 2026 and provide specified information (ownership evidence, mission concept and timeline, contact information, and a commitment to collaborate with OSC).
Pilot SCC has no direct legal effect
Grant of an SCC during this pilot phase, on its own, will have no direct legal effect. Participants are still required to independently satisfy all existing regulatory requirements for licensing by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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