By 
August 13th, 2025
A healthy commercial space ecosystem should be founded on more transparency and a reduction in red tape surrounding launch and reentry licensing and activity.
Image credit: SpaceX
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to streamline regulations and foster a competitive commercial space industry, ensuring the United States maintains its leading role in the commercial use of space.
The Order directs the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, “to eliminate or expedite environmental reviews for launch and reentry licenses and permits.” In addition, the Order also directs the Secretary of Transportation “to review regulatory requirements to eliminate outdated, redundant, or overly restrictive rules for launch and reentry vehicles.”
Far-reaching actions
In Trump’s August 13 Presidential Action document, it explains that “it is imperative that we build on the far-reaching actions taken by my Administration during my first term to ensure that new space-based industries, space exploration capabilities, and cutting-edge defense systems are pioneered in America rather than by our adversaries. Ensuring that United States operators can efficiently launch, conduct missions in space, and reenter United States airspace is critical to economic growth, national security, and accomplishing Federal space objectives.”
Illustration of Haven-1 space station and docked SpaceX Dragon.
Image credit: Vast
U.S. Transportation Secretary and acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy joined President Trump at the White House Wednesday for the signing of the Executive Order.
Outdated regulations
The U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin released the following statement after President Trump signed the Executive Order.
“President Trump’s new Executive Order is a bold step to cut red tape, speed approvals, and strengthen America’s leadership in commercial space,” Chairman Babin said. “For too long, outdated regulations and duplicative reviews have slowed progress, hindered investment, and given our adversaries like China an opening to close the gap. This action puts America’s commercial space industry on a trajectory to continue leading the world—driving breakthroughs, creating jobs, and bolstering our national security.”
Regulatory relief
The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) issued a statement on President Trump’s signing of the Executive Order. CSF President Dave Cavossa stated, “CSF applauds President Trump and the leaders across the Federal
Government for taking bold action to prioritize space. Building upon the work of his first administration,
today’s executive order reorganizes key aspects of the FAA and Department of Commerce and provides regulatory relief to unleash the U.S. commercial space industry.”
Pre-launch photo shows technicians working on the Varga capsule-mounted spacecraft.
Image credit: Rocket Lab
Cavossa added that, with these actions, “it is clear that President Trump is serious about maintaining U.S. dominance in space in the face of growing international competition, especially from China. This executive order will strengthen and grow the U.S. commercial space industry by cutting red tape while maintaining a commitment to public safety, benefitting the American people and the U.S government that are increasingly reliant on space for our national and economic security.”
Fact sheet
Go to this informative Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Enables Competition in the Commercial Space Industry at:
Also, read the full document “Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry” at:
Posted in Space News
I would like Leonard David contact information to send information on a new space plane.