Space Industry Compliance Checklist
Track regulatory compliance requirements across launch operations, satellite authorizations, export controls, remote sensing, and workforce security. Check items as you complete them — progress is saved locally.
FAA Launch / Reentry License
Obtain a launch or reentry license (or experimental permit) from the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) under 14 CFR Part 450. Required for any launch or reentry of a launch vehicle or reentry vehicle from U.S. territory or by U.S. citizens.
Range Safety Approval
Complete range safety analysis and obtain approval from the launch range (e.g., Space Launch Delta 45 at Cape Canaveral, Space Launch Delta 30 at Vandenberg, or commercial spaceport). Includes flight safety analysis, trajectory data, and debris footprint analysis.
Third-Party Liability Insurance
Obtain third-party liability insurance at the Maximum Probable Loss (MPL) level determined by the FAA. Typically $100M-$500M depending on vehicle, trajectory, and launch site. Must also cover U.S. government property.
Environmental Review (NEPA)
Complete National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review. The FAA prepares an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for launch site operations. Covers noise, emissions, wildlife impact, and water quality.
Flight Termination System Certification
Design, test, and certify the flight termination system (FTS) or autonomous flight safety system (AFSS). Required to ensure the vehicle can be destroyed or flight terminated if it deviates from the planned trajectory.
FCC Space Station Authorization
File an application with the FCC for space station authorization (or market access for non-U.S. licensed satellites). Covers frequency assignments, orbital parameters, interference analysis, and technical specifications under 47 CFR Part 25.
ITU Frequency Coordination
Coordinate frequency assignments through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). File Advanced Publication Information (API), coordinate with potentially affected administrations, and file notification for recording in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR).
Orbital Debris Mitigation Plan
Submit an orbital debris mitigation plan per FCC rules. Must include post-mission disposal plan (deorbit within 5 years for LEO), casualty risk assessment, collision avoidance capability, trackability, and passivation procedures.
Spectrum License Fees
Pay applicable FCC regulatory fees and any spectrum auction costs. Annual regulatory fees vary by satellite type and service classification. ITU cost recovery charges also apply for frequency coordination filings.
End-of-Life Disposal Plan
Document and implement the satellite end-of-life plan. For LEO: deorbit within 5 years (FCC rule). For GEO: boost to graveyard orbit 300+ km above GEO belt. Must reserve sufficient propellant for disposal maneuver and passivate all energy sources.
DDTC Registration
Register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) at the U.S. Department of State. Required for any person or entity that manufactures, exports, or temporarily imports defense articles, including most spacecraft, launch vehicles, and related components on the U.S. Munitions List (USML).
Product Classification (USML / CCL)
Classify all products, technology, and technical data under ITAR (USML categories) or EAR (Commerce Control List / ECCN). Spacecraft are primarily USML Category XV; some components may fall under EAR ECCN 9A515. Self-classification or request a Commodity Jurisdiction (CJ) determination from DDTC.
Technical Assistance Agreements / Manufacturing License Agreements
Obtain TAAs or MLAs from DDTC before sharing ITAR-controlled technical data with foreign persons or entities. Required for international collaborations, foreign subcontractors, and joint ventures involving defense articles or services.
Deemed Export Controls
Implement controls for "deemed exports" — disclosure of controlled technical data or technology to foreign nationals within the United States. Requires export licenses or exemptions even when the information never leaves U.S. soil. Implement Technology Control Plans (TCPs) for facilities with foreign national access.
Export Record Keeping
Maintain comprehensive records of all export transactions, licenses, agreements, and related correspondence. ITAR requires records be kept for 5 years after expiration of the license or agreement. EAR requires 5 years from date of export. Records must be available for inspection by DDTC or BIS.
NOAA Remote Sensing License
Obtain a license from NOAA's Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA) office for any private remote sensing space system operated by a U.S. person. Covers optical, SAR, RF sensing, and other Earth observation modalities. Application includes system description, data management plan, and operational procedures.
Data Distribution Restrictions
Comply with any data restriction conditions in the NOAA license. May include shutter control provisions (limiting imaging of certain areas during certain periods), resolution limitations, or data sharing restrictions for national security purposes. Post-2020 rules use a tiered system based on capability.
Operational Reporting Requirements
Submit required operational reports to NOAA including annual reports on system status, data sales/distribution summaries, and notification of anomalies or changes to system capabilities. Must maintain data archive accessible to the U.S. government.
Personnel Security Clearances
Obtain and maintain facility security clearances (FCL) and personnel security clearances for employees requiring access to classified information. Required for companies performing classified government contracts. Managed through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).
Foreign Person Access Controls
Implement access controls for foreign person employees and visitors. ITAR requires that foreign nationals not have unescorted access to ITAR-controlled technical data or defense articles without proper authorization (TAA or export license). Implement visitor logs, escort procedures, and physical access restrictions.
Compliance Training Programs
Conduct regular compliance training for all employees, covering export controls (ITAR/EAR), classified information handling, insider threat awareness, cybersecurity, and company-specific security procedures. Engineers and business development staff are the highest-risk groups for inadvertent violations.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulatory requirements vary by jurisdiction, mission type, and specific circumstances. Always consult qualified legal counsel and the relevant regulatory agencies for your specific compliance obligations.
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