What’s on the Horizon for the Commercial Space Launch Industry (podcast)

Companies like Virgin Galactic and SpaceX have reignited the space race. As they compete to take tourists and NASA cargo into orbit, the federal government’s role is changing. The Federal Aviation Administration greenlights commercial launches but, to allow the private industry to develop, has been banned from regulating crew and passenger safety. However, this moratorium is set to expire at the end of September. Listen to Gerald Dillingham, a director in GAO’s Physical Infrastructure team, discuss his team’s recent review of the changes in the commercial launch industry and FAA’s oversight of it.

Commercial Space Launch Safety

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Commercial Space Launch Safety