§50908 Effective Periods, and Modifications, Suspensions, and Revocations, of Licenses

Summary

The Secretary of Transportation decides how long a license lasts. The Secretary can change a license either on the Secretary’s own or when the license holder asks. The Secretary must change a license if a new rule made under section 50905(c) after the license was issued requires it. That rule does not apply to permits. The Secretary can suspend or cancel a license if the license holder seriously breaks the rules or if stopping the license is needed to protect public health, safety, property, or U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. If a past launch or reentry under the license caused a serious or fatal injury (as defined in 49 CFR 830, in effect on November 10, 2004) and the Secretary finds further operations are likely to cause more such injuries, the Secretary may suspend the license. Any such suspension must be as short as possible and ends when the Secretary decides the license holder has fixed the problem or the license is changed under subsection (b) to reduce the risk. Suspensions under this rule do not apply to permits. Unless the Secretary says otherwise, a change, suspension, or cancellation takes effect right away and stays in place during any review under section 50912. The Secretary must tell the license holder in writing about the decision and any steps being taken.