AST: Pace of Launch and Reentry Skyrocketing

The FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) oversaw 130 launch and reentry operations so far this fiscal year, more than triple the FY 2020 figure. "And the year isn't over yet," Kelvin Coleman, FAA associate administrator-commercial space transportation, said Tuesday during a Senate Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee hearing, according to submitted testimony. There are 26 licensed commercial launch and reentry operators, he said, with the number of licensed commercial space operations likely doubling by FY 2026. The agency averages 151 days to issue a license. AST staffing has reached 150 people, letting personnel "address some of the growing demands that have been placed on our office." He added that the White House's FY 2025 budget request provides funding for additional staff.