FAA Goes Digital: Easier Online Space License Filings
Published Date: 10/5/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is making it easier and faster for commercial space companies to apply for licenses and permits by letting them submit applications and requests online in more ways. This change affects anyone involved in commercial space launches and aims to speed up approvals without extra costs. Comments on this plan are open until November 4, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Use FAA-approved online portal (LEAP)
If you apply for a commercial space launch or reentry license, permit, waiver, alternative time frame, or safety element approval, FAA proposes to allow submission through “other electronic method[s] approved by the Administrator,” which would let applicants use FAA’s Licensing Electronic Application Portal (LEAP) without first obtaining a waiver. FAA says this change would increase processing efficiency and give industry greater transparency on application status.
Possible requirement to use only FAA-approved electronic methods
FAA is considering an alternative that would remove email and physical electronic storage as options and require all license and permit applications, waiver requests, alternative time frame requests, and safety element approval requests to be submitted via an electronic method approved by the Administrator. FAA requests public comment on operational impacts, costs, or benefits of that alternative.
Paper submission option removed
FAA proposes to remove the option to submit license and permit applications by paper copy (Sec. 413.7(a)). FAA states no licensed operator has submitted a paper application in the last two decades and anticipates little impact, but paper submission would no longer be an allowed method for these applications.
Standardized electronic submission across filings
The rule would align submission methods for license and permit applications, waiver requests, alternative time frame requests, and safety element approval requests so all may be filed by email, physical electronic storage, or other FAA-approved electronic methods. FAA says standardizing methods will ease the burden on applicants by streamlining acceptable procedures.
Estimated FAA processing time and cost savings
FAA estimates accepting other electronic methods would save about 10 minutes per file attachment versus manual upload. With ~150 files per month (1,800 per year), FAA estimates annual undiscounted cost savings of $16,927, a 10-year undiscounted total of $169,266, and present values of $118,885 at 7% and $144,387 at 3%.
No significant economic impact on small entities
FAA certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, so FAA did not prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis.
No new information collection requirements
FAA states this proposed rule would not create any new information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, meaning applicants would not face additional federally required forms or information collections because of this rule.
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Key Dates
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