NTSB Proposal To Investigate Space Flight Incidents Draws Pushback
A National Transportation Safety Board proposal that would allow it to investigate space flight incidents has sparked pushback from the FAA, which already has jurisdiction over the space industry.
In 2014, the NTSB led an investigation of the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo test flight breakup that ended in the death of one pilot and severe injuries to another.
Key Takeaways:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has proposed expanding its authority to investigate spaceflight incidents, prompting significant pushback from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which currently holds statutory jurisdiction over commercial space activities.
Opponents, including the FAA, some members of Congress, and industry players like SpaceX, argue that the NTSB's move would disrupt the existing regulatory framework for the nascent commercial space industry and could hinder its growth and U.S. competitiveness.
The NTSB defends its proposal by asserting its statutory authority, citing past investigations of space mishaps (such as the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo accident), and clarifying that it would selectively investigate incidents to issue safety recommendations rather than every event.
A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) proposal that would allow it to investigate space flight incidents has sparked pushback from the FAA, which already has jurisdiction over the space industry.
The effort was introduced in November in the midst of a year of spaceflight dominated by private industries.
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Jeremy attained his bachelor's in journalism and emerging media from Kennesaw State University. He also served in the Georgia Air National Guard as a C-130 Crew Chief for six years, holding an associate in aircraft maintenance technology.
