Senator Moran Presses FAA for Expedited Field Licensing

In a significant move, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran called on the Federal Aviation Administration to expedite the review process for private rocket launch licenses. Moran’s Oct. 25 letter to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker highlights concerns about the agency’s pace in the rapidly growing space sector.

The senator’s request reflects the industry’s growing frustration, especially with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, whose frequent launches strain the FAA’s regulatory capacity. Musk’s criticism dovetails with broader industry sentiments that FAA procedures are hindering progress on space ventures.

Despite these criticisms, the FAA has taken steps to improve its process by approving SpaceX’s recent Starship test license ahead of schedule. Moran also suggested the possibility of restructuring the FAA’s commercial space division to increase efficiency and accountability.

(With input from institutions.)