Office of Space Commerce Proposes Streamlined Certification for Novel Space Activities

The Department of Commerce’s Office of Space Commerce (OSC) has released a proposal to establish a voluntary Space Commerce Certification process intended to streamline federal oversight of emerging commercial space activities. Developed in response to Executive Order 14335, the proposal seeks to modernize the regulatory framework for commercial missions that fall outside existing licensing authorities while providing companies with greater regulatory certainty. The proposal was also examined during a recent House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee hearing, where lawmakers discussed its potential to improve the regulatory environment for novel commercial space missions. 

According to OSC, today’s regulatory framework was designed primarily around traditional launch, communications, and remote sensing activities. As commercial capabilities continue to expand into areas such as satellite servicing, manufacturing, commercial space operations, lunar operations, and space resource utilization, companies often must navigate multiple regulatory reviews across several federal agencies. The Department argues this fragmented process creates uncertainty for industry and slows investment in emerging commercial space technologies. 

To address these challenges, OSC proposes a voluntary certification process that would coordinate an interagency review of eligible novel space activities. Rather than replacing existing FAA, FCC, or Commerce licensing authorities, the certification would complement those processes by reducing duplicative reviews and allowing agencies to rely on information already submitted through a single application. Under the proposal, certifications would generally be issued within 120 days of receiving a complete application unless unresolved concerns related to national security, foreign policy, international obligations, or operational safety are identified.  

The proposal also outlines a phased implementation strategy, beginning with selected mission types before expanding to additional commercial activities as experience is gained. The Office of Space Commerce states that stakeholder feedback and emerging industry best practices will help shape the certification framework as it evolves. Public comments are currently being accepted while the Department considers next steps for implementation.