NTSB Issues Recommendation A-15-025 to FAA Regarding Commercial Space Transportation Oversight

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued safety recommendation A-15-025, identified as DCA15MA019, addressed directly to the Federal Aviation Administration. This directive instructs the FAA to direct the management of its Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) to collaborate closely with AST technical staff on several critical operational improvements. The board has requested that these efforts focus on developing clearer policies, practices, and procedures that facilitate direct communications between agency staff and applicants. Furthermore, the recommendation calls for the provision of clearer guidance regarding the evaluation of commercial space transportation permits, waivers, and licenses. A key objective is to better define the boundary between information required to ensure public safety and information pertaining more broadly to mission success.