NTSB Proposes Commercial Space Accident Rulemaking

In the proposed rule, the NTSB seeks to identify commercial space as a unique mode of transportation.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 04:08 AM ET

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The NTSB is seeking to update Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 831 by identifying commercial space as a unique mode of transportation. NASA

Key Takeaways:

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is proposing a new rule to formalize its procedures for safety investigations in the rapidly growing commercial space industry.
This rule would designate commercial space as a unique mode of transportation, distinct from existing categories like aviation, and establish clear requirements for reporting accidents and preserving evidence.
The initiative aims to enhance transportation safety by codifying the NTSB's role in conducting safety probes, identifying corrective actions, and preventing future incidents, without regulating the industry or assigning fault.

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As the commercial space industry takes off, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is seeking to spell out official procedures for safety investigations when things go wrong.

The NTSB proposed a new commercial space investigations rule Tuesday that it says will enhance transportation safety by codifying the agency’s role of conducting safety probes and identifying corrective actions when needed, all with the goal of preventing other incidents in the future. The safety agency is seeking comments through January 18, 2022.