Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: License Requirements for Operation of a Launch Site
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA wants to hear from people about rules for running spaceship launch zones. They think filling out the paperwork to get a license takes a long time, like over 2,300 hours, so they want ideas on making it less tricky and easier for everyone.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comments on renewing an information collection related to operating commercial launch sites. This information is necessary for evaluating applications to ensure they meet safety and security standards. The FAA estimates that about two applicants will apply, with each application requiring about 2,322 hours to complete. Public comments on this process can be submitted by March 15, 2021, through various means, including online, mail, or fax.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The information to be collected includes data required for performing launch site location analysis. The launch site license is valid for a period of 5 years. Respondents are licensees authorized to operate sites.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a notice inviting public comments on a proposed renewal of information collection related to the operation of commercial launch sites. This proposed renewal falls under the guidelines of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which mandates that agencies seek public input on data collections that carry a reporting burden. The goal of this renewal is to ensure the necessary data is collected to perform a thorough analysis of launch site locations, meeting safety, security, and foreign policy interests in the United States.
General Overview
The document outlines a process whereby applicants, who are currently estimated to be around two in number, must submit information required to obtain a license to operate a launch site. This information collection process is reviewed periodically, and public input is sought to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. The FAA intends to request renewal approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for this information collection. Public feedback can be submitted through various channels such as electronic docket, mail, or fax by March 15, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the notice that could benefit from further clarification. The most notable concern is the estimated average burden of 2,322 hours required per application, which seems exceedingly high. This figure suggests that the process might be cumbersome and potentially in need of streamlining. An additional point of interest is the expectation of only two applicants, which may point to either a niche field or a high entry barrier, though the reasoning is not clearly articulated in the document.
Furthermore, the document references various legal statutes without specifying exactly what data applicants must provide, which might limit public understanding and ability to contribute meaningful comments on how to reduce application burdens. While there is a call for public comments on minimizing this burden, more guidance could empower stakeholders to provide more targeted feedback.
Public Impact
The document's process impacts the general public by potentially influencing the efficiency and safety of commercial space operations. The information collected is crucial in ensuring that launch site operations are consistent with public safety and national interests, which benefits the broader community by maintaining high safety standards and promoting responsible use of space.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, notably potential applicants for launch site licenses, are directly affected by this notice. The high burden of information processing could present significant costs in time and resources, potentially deterring applicants or constraining market entry to larger, well-resourced companies. Conversely, a successful renewal and subsequent improvement in this process could streamline operations, encourage more applications, and stimulate innovation in the commercial space sector.
In conclusion, while the FAA's initiative to renew this information collection appears well-intentioned, the document could benefit from clearer communication on the scope and specifics of the application process. Enhancing transparency and reducing the administrative burden could encourage broader participation and foster growth in the increasingly important industry of commercial space transportation. Public and stakeholder engagement in this renewal process is crucial to harmonizing regulatory objectives with industry practices and expectations.
Issues
• The estimated average burden per response of 2,322 hours seems quite high and may indicate a complex or cumbersome information collection process that could potentially be streamlined.
• The document does not explain why only approximately two applicants are expected, which may need clarification to understand the scope of license issuance.
• No specific guidance is provided on how the public can minimize the burden of the information collection, other than the general invitation for comments.
• The reference to 49 U.S.C. Subtitle IX, 701—Commercial Space Launch Activities needs to be clearer on what specific data is involved or required from applicants.
• The document does not specify the criteria for evaluating whether the collection of information is necessary for FAA's performance, making it difficult for the public to effectively comment on this aspect.