Startups Call for Streamlined US Regulations for Emerging Space Capabilities
February 1, 2024
ORLANDO, Fla. — The SpaceCom conference held in Orlando saw executives from space startups emphasizing the need for updated regulations to keep pace with the advancements in the industry. The CEOs of Orbit Fab and True Anomaly highlighted the potential risk of the United States falling behind in the race for emerging space capabilities if regulations do not adapt to industry progress.
While federal agencies have made efforts to modernize and streamline satellite licensing rules, there is still more to be done to support the growth of nascent space businesses, according to Daniel Faber and Even Rogers, the leaders of Orbit Fab and True Anomaly, respectively. They emphasized the need for regulations to catch up with the evolving industry landscape.
Orbit Fab’s CEO, Daniel Faber, expressed concerns about the limitations imposed by current regulations. He pointed out the challenges faced by space companies in collaborating with international entities due to export restrictions under ITAR. Faber emphasized the need for a review of regulations to enable seamless cooperation on a global scale, stressing the importance of proximity operations for space business development.
Additionally, Even Rogers of True Anomaly highlighted the critical role of a modernized licensing regime in equipping the United States with capabilities to address emerging space threats. He emphasized the increasing difficulty of detecting potential threats in orbit, underscoring the urgency for an updated regulatory framework to ensure national security.
The discussions at the SpaceCom conference shed light on the pressing need for streamlined regulations that can support the growth of space startups and enable the United States to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving space industry.
