FAA Reaches 1,000 Licensed Space Operations
August 14, 2025 marked the FAA’s 1,000th operation of a commercial space vehicle that the agency licensed or permitted. The United States is a leader in space exploration, and this milestone highlights more than 35 years of the FAA successfully fulfilling its mission to protect safety and advance the future of our skies.
The commercial space transportation industry emerged in the 1990s and was primarily used to launch commercial satellites and transport cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). In just the last few years, growing interest in commercial space is realizing new possibilities for the industry including providing transportation to the ISS laboratories for research and space tourism. This rapidly growing industry is inspiring scientists, engineers, teachers, and a whole generation, to imagine entirely new possibilities for the future of space.
Operations
We protect the public, property, and U.S. national security interests.
Licensing
We license all U.S. commercial launches and reentries here and abroad.
Industry Outreach
We work collaboratively with industry to promote safety.
Spaceports
U.S. Spaceports are critical infrastructure for the industry.
Commercial Space By The Numbers
Spaceports Map
Find a U.S. spaceport near you.
Map to commercial, government, and active private spaceports around the country.
Jobs
What do we do? What careers are in commercial space?
Commercial Space Transportation ensures that rocket launches and reentries are safe. We do this by applying a broad range of skillsets to manage licensing and regulatory work, as well as many programs and initiatives. Some examples of the jobs we do include inspecting reusable and expendable launch vehicles, assessing aerospace vehicle systems, developing public safety standards and requirements, assuring engineering quality, and assessing environmental impacts.
Why does it matter?
Our efforts help facilitate both the U.S. and global commercial space transportation industry’s health and growth. We value the talents, ideas, and insights that will enable us to continue our mission of ensuring and promoting the safest commercial space transportation in the world. Join us in exploring this exciting, meaningful, and innovative field!
How can I find out more and apply?
We are actively hiring qualified people to help us grow our team to meet the global commercial space community’s increasing demands. If you would like to find out more about being part of an organization where the possibilities are literally limitless, please take a look at Commercial Space Careers and email us at 9-AST-Comm-Space-Careers@faa.gov.