Ask AI
Bill113th CongressFiled Mar 13, 2014Science, Technology, Communications
S. 2140

A bill to improve the transition between experimental permits and commercial licenses for commercial reusable launch vehicles.

Bill journey · stage 1 of 5

Just introduced

Filed
Comm.
Floor
Both
Law

What it doesSummary reported to senate with amendment(s) (Dec 4, 2014)

Revises requirements for experimental permits related to commercial space launch activities.

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue an experimental permit for a particular reusable suborbital vehicle (RSV) for research and development to test design concepts, equipment, or operating techniques, regardless of whether they are new (as under current law) or already existing.

Strikes the requirement that crew training for which the permit may be used must occur before a commercial license for launch or reentry is obtained.

Allows a permit to authorize an unlimited number of launches and reentries for a particular RSV rocket design (as well as for a particular RSV, as under current law).

Repeals the prohibition against issuance of a permit, and the automatic invalidation of an existing permit, after a license has been issued for the launch or reentry of an RSV of a particular design.

Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit regardless of whether a license has already been issued. Declares that the issuance of a license may not invalidate a permit.

What just happenedDec 12, 2014

By Senator Rockefeller from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 113-318.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM](D-NM)Sponsor
5 cosponsors2 D3 R
Read on Congress.gov
5cosponsors1committees8actions1related bills2subjects
  1. Dec 12, 2014Floor

    By Senator Rockefeller from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 113-318.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  2. Dec 12, 2014Committee14900

    By Senator Rockefeller from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 113-318.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  3. Dec 4, 2014Calendars

    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 612.

  4. Dec 4, 2014Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  5. Dec 4, 2014Committee14000

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  6. Apr 9, 2014Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  7. Mar 13, 2014IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  8. Mar 13, 2014IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Reported to Senate with amendment(s)Dec 4, 20141

Revises requirements for experimental permits related to commercial space launch activities.

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue an experimental permit for a particular reusable suborbital vehicle (RSV) for research and development to test design concepts, equipment, or operating techniques, regardless of whether they are new (as under current law) or already existing.

Strikes the requirement that crew training for which the permit may be used must occur before a commercial license for launch or reentry is obtained.

Allows a permit to authorize an unlimited number of launches and reentries for a particular RSV rocket design (as well as for a particular RSV, as under current law).

Repeals the prohibition against issuance of a permit, and the automatic invalidation of an existing permit, after a license has been issued for the launch or reentry of an RSV of a particular design.

Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit regardless of whether a license has already been issued. Declares that the issuance of a license may not invalidate a permit.

Introduced in SenateMar 13, 2014

Amends commercial space launch licensing requirements.

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to issue an experimental permit for a particular reusable suborbital rocket (as under current law) or rocket design after a license has been issued for the launch or reentry of a rocket of that design. Declares that any permits already issued shall remain valid for research and development (R&D) and other specified purposes.

A bill to improve the transition between experimental permits and commercial licenses for … — Informed