Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry

8/13/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Build on past achievements to strengthen U.S. leadership in space by enhancing commercial launch capabilities, fostering new space-based industries, and ensuring national security.
Overall Policy: Increase commercial space launch cadence and activity by streamlining licensing and permitting processes to support economic growth and defense objectives.
Reforming Launch and Reentry Regulations:
- Secretary of Transportation to expedite and possibly eliminate environmental reviews and other regulatory obstacles under NEPA.
- Reevaluation of 14 CFR Part 450 to adjust or waive regulatory requirements for vehicles with advanced safety systems and valid FAA certifications.
- Mandatory report within 120 days on actions taken or planned.
Enhancing Spaceport Infrastructure:
- Secretary of Commerce, with Defense, Transportation, and NASA, to evaluate state compliance under the Coastal Zone Management Act and address barriers to spaceport development.
- Execution of a memorandum of understanding within 180 days to align agency review processes and eliminate duplicative procedures.
- Expedite environmental and administrative reviews and consider categorical exclusions under NEPA for spaceport projects.
Novel Space Activity Authorization:
- Secretary of Commerce to propose a streamlined process within 150 days for individualized mission authorizations for activities governed by the Outer Space Treaty.
- Process to incorporate clear timelines, consistent requirements, and agency feedback (excluding human spaceflight).
Regulatory Leadership and Accountability:
- Establishment of a new advisory position within the Transportation Department to foster innovation and deregulation.
- Elevation of the Office of Space Commerce within the Department of Commerce.
Administrative and General Provisions:
- Delegation of some functions to the FAA Administrator under the Secretary of Transportation.
- Clarification that the order does not alter statutory authority, budgetary responsibilities, or grant enforceable rights.
- Costs for publication to be covered by the Department of Transportation.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order aims to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. commercial space industry by streamlining regulatory processes. This could lead to increased opportunities for research and collaboration in aerospace and engineering fields at Vanderbilt University.
There is a potential risk that the expedited regulatory processes might overlook environmental concerns, which could lead to public backlash or legal challenges. Vanderbilt’s environmental science and policy programs may need to address these issues in their research and advocacy efforts.
The focus on spaceport infrastructure development and novel space activities could create new partnerships and funding opportunities for Vanderbilt’s engineering and technology programs, but it may also require adjustments in curriculum to align with industry needs.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the implications of increased commercial space activities on national security and how its programs can contribute to addressing these challenges.

Impacted Programs

School of Engineering at Vanderbilt could see increased demand for expertise in aerospace engineering and space technology, presenting opportunities for research and collaboration with industry leaders.
Environmental Science and Policy Programs may need to engage in discussions and research on the environmental impacts of increased spaceport development and commercial space activities.
The Office of Research could play a crucial role in securing funding and partnerships related to space exploration and technology development.
Vanderbilt’s Law School might explore the legal implications of the Executive Order, particularly in terms of regulatory compliance and environmental law.

Financial Impact

The Executive Order could lead to increased funding opportunities for research and development in space technology and infrastructure, benefiting Vanderbilt’s engineering and technology programs.
There may be potential for new partnerships with government agencies and private companies involved in the commercial space industry, which could enhance Vanderbilt’s research capabilities and reputation.
Vanderbilt might need to invest in new facilities or programs to support the growing demand for expertise in space-related fields, which could have financial implications.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks and opportunities, particularly in terms of compliance and potential partnerships in the space industry.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore partnerships with commercial space companies to engage in research and development projects that align with the increased focus on space exploration and commercial space activities. This could enhance the university’s research capabilities and provide students with unique opportunities in the growing space industry.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in regulatory changes and spaceport infrastructure policies to identify potential funding opportunities and collaborations with federal agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense. This proactive approach can position Vanderbilt as a key player in space-related research and innovation.
Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science should conduct research on the implications of deregulation in the commercial space industry, focusing on economic, environmental, and national security impacts. This research can provide valuable insights and inform policy discussions at the national level.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should evaluate the potential for licensing and commercializing technologies developed at Vanderbilt that could be applicable to the space industry. By leveraging intellectual property, the university can capitalize on the growing demand for innovative space technologies.
Vanderbilt’s Environmental Law Program should analyze the environmental implications of expedited spaceport development and regulatory changes. This analysis can guide the university’s engagement with policymakers and contribute to the development of sustainable practices in the space industry.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to expand its research initiatives in aerospace engineering and space technology. By collaborating with industry leaders and federal agencies, the school can enhance its reputation and attract top talent in the field.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on spaceport infrastructure by developing interdisciplinary programs that combine engineering, environmental science, and policy studies. These programs can prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving space industry and position Vanderbilt as a leader in space education.
The emphasis on streamlining regulatory processes offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing expertise on regulatory frameworks, the law school can influence the development of fair and effective policies in the commercial space sector.
By hosting conferences and workshops on the future of space exploration and commercial space activities, Vanderbilt can establish itself as a hub for thought leadership and innovation in the space industry. These events can foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government stakeholders.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to opportunities in space research and regulatory impacts.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

Within 60 days of the date of this order: Establish a position in the Office of the Secretary (Sec. 6a) and elevate the Office of Space Commerce (Sec. 6b).
Within 120 days of the date of this order: Submit a report by the Secretary of Transportation describing actions taken regarding regulatory reforms (Sec. 3c).
Within 150 days of the date of this order: The Secretary of Commerce must propose a process for individualized mission authorizations for novel space activities (Sec. 5).
Within 180 days of the date of this order: Evaluate States’ compliance under the Coastal Zone Management Act for spaceport development (Sec. 4a) and execute a memorandum of understanding aligning review processes (Sec. 4b).

Relevance Score: 3

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Tasked with expediting and reforming commercial launch and reentry licensing, including reassessing and potentially rescinding certain regulatory requirements.
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): Consulted to streamline or establish categorical exclusions under NEPA for both launch/reentry and spaceport infrastructure development.
Department of Commerce: Charged with evaluating state compliance regarding spaceport development, proposing processes for novel space activity authorizations, and elevating the Office of Space Commerce.
Department of Defense (DoD): Involved in aligning review processes for spaceport infrastructure, ensuring national security imperatives in commercial space advancements, and coordinating with other agencies on spaceport projects.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Tasked with collaborating on evaluations of spaceport development and contributing to streamlined review processes for commercial space activities.
Department of Justice (DOJ): Notified regarding state or local limitations that might hinder spaceport development on Federal lands.
Department of the Interior: Directed to expedite environmental and administrative reviews related to spaceport infrastructure.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Mentioned with respect to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals, ensuring that implementation of the order aligns with overall federal management.
Endangered Species Committee: May be consulted for spaceport development projects to determine if applications are required under applicable environmental laws.

Relevance Score: 3 (6-10 agencies are directly or indirectly impacted by the initiatives in the order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Transportation – Charged with eliminating or expediting environmental reviews, revising regulations at Part 450, establishing an internal advisory position for fostering innovation in the commercial space transportation industry, and directing the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for related appointments (Sections 3, 6a, 7).
Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality – Consulted to coordinate efforts in streamlining environmental reviews for launch and reentry licenses and in establishing new categorical exclusions under NEPA (Sections 3, 4c).
Secretary of Commerce – Responsible for evaluating spaceport infrastructure regulatory barriers, proposing a process for novel space activity authorizations, and elevating the Office of Space Commerce into the Office of the Secretary (Sections 4a, 5, 6b).
Secretary of Defense – Involved in evaluating state compliance for spaceport development, executing memoranda of understanding to align review processes, expediting associated environmental reviews, and considering applications related to national security imperatives (Sections 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – Consulted on evaluating state compliance for spaceport infrastructure, executing interagency memoranda, and expediting environmental and administrative reviews for spaceport projects (Sections 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).
Secretary of the Interior – Tasked with expediting environmental reviews for spaceport infrastructure development (Section 4c).
Department of Justice – To be notified of any findings regarding State or local limitations on spaceport development on Federal lands (Section 4a).
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy – Receives the report on regulatory changes from the Secretary of Transportation and the proposal for novel mission authorizations from the Secretary of Commerce (Sections 3, 5).
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs – Receives the proposal on novel space activity authorizations from the Secretary of Commerce (Section 5).
Assistant to the President for Science and Technology – Also receives the proposal on novel space activity authorizations from the Secretary of Commerce (Section 5).
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Acts under the direction of the Secretary of Transportation to implement necessary appointments to support commercial space transportation (Sections 6a, 7).

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect multiple agency heads and key White House officials, implying broad strategic impact).