The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making changes to its launch license requirements in response to a recent incident involving Varda Space Industries. The company’s W-1 mission, which utilized a Rocket Lab Photon satellite bus, took place without proper authorization for the capsule to reenter US airspace.
The new requirement, effective from April 17, 2024, will now include reentry authorization for payloads in order to ensure public safety and address the concerns surrounding the return of reentry vehicles to Earth. Varda’s mission, while initially compliant with regulations, was extended beyond its original plan, prompting the need for a reentry license from the FAA.
According to FAA associate administrator Kelvin Coleman, the updates to the launch license requirements were directly influenced by the Varda experience. The company has since obtained the necessary license for future reentry operations and is committed to working with regulators as policies continue to evolve.
Despite the incident, Varda is moving forward with plans to launch its next mission later this year. The company remains dedicated to adhering to all regulations and ensuring the safety and compliance of its future launches. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Varda continues to navigate the changing landscape of space exploration.
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