“These record numbers are possible due to the growing capabilities of industry and the FAA working to meet the demand for launch and reentry license approvals,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation Kelvin Coleman “As the industry innovates, so too is the FAA. We are using our regulatory authorities in certain initiatives to help the industry launch faster and more frequently without sacrificing safety.”

The FAA is responsible for the safe and efficient integration of space operations into the US airspace system, the busiest and most complex in the world. This includes space operations for FAA-licensed commercial space operators, for NASA, the US military and other government agencies.