FAA Greenlights Ocean Spacecraft Splashes? Comment on Reentry Rules Now
Published Date: 9/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is asking for your thoughts on a new plan to safely manage space vehicles coming back to Earth over the ocean. This plan affects companies that operate these reentry vehicles and includes new rules to protect the environment and keep airspace safe. You have until October 19, 2026, to share your comments, and this could speed up approvals without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Three Proposed Categorical Exclusions (CATEXs)
FAA proposes three categorical exclusions to be added to FAA Order 1050.1G, Appendix B-2.2: (1) issuing vehicle operator licenses or experimental permits for reentry operations within the scope described in Chapter 2 of the PEA where operations occur within the PEA study area and the applicant's annual frequency does not exceed the cumulative number described in the PEA; (2) renewing such licenses or permits under the same scope and frequency limits; and (3) modifying such licenses or permits (which could include new splashdown locations within the PEA study area or new expended or reused components within the type and frequency described in Chapter 2 of the PEA).
Submit Comments by Oct 19, 2026
You can review the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) at https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental/nepa_docs and submit comments to Docket No. FAA-2026-10264. The public comment period closes on October 19, 2026; comments can be sent electronically via regulations.gov or by mail to Nicholas Baker, FAA Environmental Protection Specialist, c/o ICF, 1902 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston, VA 20190.
PEA Covers Marine Reentry Licenses and Airspace Closures
The FAA prepared a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment that evaluates environmental impacts of issuing vehicle operator licenses or experimental permits authorizing reentry operations in the marine environment. FAA's federal actions evaluated in the PEA include issuing licenses or permits and issuing airspace closures to ensure reentry operations are conducted safely; NASA and the U.S. Coast Guard are cooperating agencies.
FAA Cites Prior EAs and FONSI Findings
FAA states that, consistent with CEQ guidance dated April 9, 2026, it analyzed previously implemented reentry operations in multiple NEPA documents and determined there would not be significant impacts; each prior environmental assessment (EA) resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), as listed in Appendix B of the PEA.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-19171, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co. KG Engines
The FAA is making a new rule for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland engines because some oil pumps might cause low oil pressure. If your plane has two of these engines, you need to make sure only one has the affected oil pump to keep flying safe. This rule starts on September 21, 2026, and owners should act fast to avoid problems and keep their planes in the sky.
2026-19143, Amendment of Class E Airspace; Alma, MI
The FAA is updating the Class E airspace around Alma, Michigan because a nearby navigation beacon was turned off. This change helps keep flights safe and smooth for pilots using instruments to fly. The new airspace rules kick in on December 24, 2026, with no extra costs for anyone.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19176, Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings from solar, wind, and power companies asking for approvals and changes to their operations. These updates could affect energy rates and projects, with public comments due by early October. If you’re involved in energy or just curious, keep an eye on these deadlines and possible changes to how power gets managed and priced.
Next: 2026-19179, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings from natural gas pipeline companies about rate changes and rule waivers that could affect customers starting October 1, 2026. If you want to speak up or get involved, you have until September 28, 2026, to file your comments. These updates might impact how much people pay or how pipelines operate, so keep an eye on the deadlines!