Exploring the Possibility of Using Independent Oversight to Determine Standards for Space Vehicles Who Will Operate in the NAS

Exploring the Possibility of Using Independent Oversight to Determine Standards for Space Vehicles Who Will Operate in the NAS

As the number of activities in space and near-space increase, both government and industry will need to consider the best practice to maintain safe operations for their activities. The National Airspace is already extremely complicated with over 5,000 flights taking off and landing daily. Standards and eventually some type of certification will need to be developed for the launch vehicles in the commercial space industry. The implementation of standards and certification will help to ensure that the spacecraft will not be a danger to the other vehicles operating in the NAS. These standards would most likely be derived from a safety organization. By exploring the standards and rules that have been developed by organizations in other industries, the commercial space industry can efficiently and effectively create standards that will not compromise safety or hinder the growth of the industry.