1. International Strategy FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation
Presented to COMSTAC
John Sloan
Federal Aviation Administration
Office of Commercial Space Transportation
October 30, 2008

2. International Strategy
Promotion of FAA commerical space transportation regulations as a model for other countries to adopt
U.S. industry can operate with similar regulatory approaches worldwide
U.S. leadership
Eventually lead to harmonization of international space transportation safety regulations
Foundation to address issues including future Point to Point travel
Recognize ITAR and U.S. export policies remain

3. AST International Strategy Goals
Increase the international competitiveness of the U.S. commercial space transportation industry
Advance international safety by facilitating the adoption of U.S. regulations
Fulfill AST mission statement
To ensure protection of the public, property, and the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States during commercial launch or reentry activities, and to encourage, facilitate, and promote U.S. commercial space transportation
Fulfill FAA Flight Plan that applies to space transportation
Establish a baseline to work from

4. 2008 Activity AST strategy approval
Increased involvement with FAA International office (API)
State Department approval to promote regulations
Bilateral discussions in Scotland at the International Astronautical Congress
United Kingdom- British National Space Centre
Sweden- Swedish Space Corporation (Spaceport Sweden) and Sweden National Space Board
Singapore – Economic Development Board
Started a new committee with the International Astronautical Federation
Commercial Spaceflight Safety Committee
ELVs, RLVs, robotic spacecraft
Tri-chairs: FAA, Virgin Galactic, Swedish Space Corporation
Membership to the committee is open to anyone
Start to build relationships, identify common interests
Eventually forum for papers, presentations to meet at the annual International Astronautical Congress

5. U.S. Government Views Emerging U.S. Government Positions
Too early for international safety standards on human space flight
Too early for an “ICAO for Space”
Recommend bring international issues into United Nations process (Committee On Peaceful Uses of Outer Space)

6. Feedback on International Support
August 2008 Question from FAA to COMSTAC: “Besides ITAR and U.S. technology export issues, how can the FAA help the U.S. space transportation industry internationally?”
Summary of initial replies:
Seek adoption of U.S. regulations as a model by other countries
Recognize that how FAA regulates U.S. industry is influential internationally
Facilitation of U.S. companies when they decide to launch in other countries including international agreements similar to aviation
Advocate purchase of U.S. products and services, study incentives
Competitive, Level Playing Field issues–
Indemnification renewal, foreign government subsidization of launch vehicles and sites, and foreign teaming with China for Long March which undercuts US prices.
Final reply from COMSTAC November 7
Prepared by RLV Working Group chair

7. Items of Interest
Some European proponents want to establish global safety standards, certification and regulations before vehicles emerge
Currently no pan-European authority to regulate commercial space transportation
However, in October 2008, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) announced intention to certify “suborbital aircraft” carrying people on space flights. Full report has not yet been released.
European Space Agency is not supporting European industry
Position of “cautious interest” expressed by ESA
Regulatory Authority will likely be established by the host country to start out.
Countries currently evaluating or developing new commercial space launch regulations in various stages:
Sweden
United Kingdom
Japan
Singapore