§ 431.3 - Types of reusable launch vehicle mission licenses.

§ 431.3 Types of reusable launch vehicle mission licenses.

Cross Reference

Link to an amendment published at 85 FR 79717, Dec. 10, 2020.

Cross Reference

Link to an extension of the above amendment published at 86 FR 13448, Mar. 9, 2021.

(a) Mission-specific license. A mission-specific license authorizing an RLV mission authorizes a licensee to launch and reenter, or otherwise land, one model or type of RLV from a launch site approved for the mission to a reentry site or other location approved for the mission. A mission-specific license authorizing an RLV mission may authorize more than one RLV mission and identifies each flight of an RLV authorized under the license. A licensee's authorization to conduct RLV missions terminates upon completion of all activities authorized by the license or the expiration date stated in the reentry license, whichever occurs first.

(b) Operator license. An operator license for RLV missions authorizes a licensee to launch and reenter, or otherwise land, any of a designated family of RLVs within authorized parameters, including launch sites and trajectories, transporting specified classes of payloads to any reentry site or other location designated in the license. An operator license for RLV missions is valid for a two-year renewable term.

(c) Duration of license. Notwithstanding the duration for a license established in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, no license issued under this part will be valid after March 10, 2026.

[Docket No. FAA-1999-5535, 65 FR 56658, Sept. 19, 2000, as amended by Doc. No. FAA-2019-0229, Amdt. 431-7, 85 FR 79717, Dec. 10, 2020]