FAA: Skip Fake People in Space Blast Risk Calcs
Published Date: 10/5/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is making it easier for commercial space companies to get launch licenses by changing a rule about blast effect studies. Now, companies won’t have to include made-up public locations in their safety checks, cutting down on extra work and costs. This change affects space launch applicants and comments are open until November 4, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Fewer speculative blast-location checks
If you apply for a commercial space launch license, you no longer must include "hypothetical" public locations in the far-field overpressure blast effects analysis. Instead, you only need to show existing locations (for example, windows) where neighboring operations personnel could face a probability of casualty of 1 × 10⁻⁵ or where other members of the public could face a probability of casualty of 1 × 10⁻⁶, which FAA says will reduce extra work and produce minor cost savings and allow FAA to evaluate locations faster. The proposal is open for comment until November 4, 2026.
No RFA analysis required for small entities
The FAA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) 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. This means FAA views the change as unlikely to impose significant new costs on small businesses that apply for launch licenses.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20391, Lightning Hazard Mitigation Burden-Reducing Exception
The FAA is making it easier for commercial space companies by proposing a new rule that lets some launches skip certain lightning safety steps. This change cuts red tape and speeds up the licensing process for space launches and reentries. Companies should weigh in by November 4, 2026, and this could save time and money for those affected.
Next: 2026-20393, Airworthiness Directives; DG Aviation GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by DG Flugzeugbau GmbH) Gliders
If you own a DG Aviation GmbH DG-1000T glider, the FAA wants you to update your flight manual and check your propeller adapter ring. You can fix the problem by installing a new design part, which lets you remove the 'Motor INOP' signs. Comments on this proposal are open until November 19, 2026, and these changes help keep your glider safe without big costs.