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Public Law98th CongressScience, Technology, Communications
H.R. 3942Became Law

Commercial Space Launch Act

This bill became law

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Law

What it doesSummary passed senate amended (Oct 9, 1984)

(Measure passed Senate, amended)

Commercial Space Launch Act - Prohibits persons from launching a launch vehicle or operating a launch site within the United States (or, in the case of U.S. citizens, from outside the United States and outside the territory of a foreign nation) unless they are properly licensed; and (2) in the case of a license holder, launching a payload (an object placed in space) unless such payload complies with all requirements of Federal law.

Permits the Secretary of Transportation to issue or transfer such licenses to persons who meet the requirements of this Act. Sets forth certain conditions and procedures for licensing.

Permits the Secretary to suspend or revoke such licenses if it is found that the licensee has substantially failed to comply with specified requirements. Permits the Secretary to modify a license if such modification will result in compliance with this Act.

Permits the Secretary to terminate, prohibit, or suspend immediately any licensed operations if it is determined that such operations are detrimental to the public health and safety, safety of property, or the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. Provides for administrative and judicial review of such determinations.

Permits Federal officials to monitor the activities of licensees. Permits the use of Government property by such licensees and requires them to have liability insurance.

Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State on matters affecting national security and foreign policy, respectively.

Requires the Secretary, not later than the last day of each fiscal year ending after the date of enactment of this Act and before October 1, 1989, to submit to specified congressional committees a report describing activities undertaken pursuant to this Act and recommendations for legislation regarding commercial activities.

Requires the Secretary, not later than July 1, 1985, to submit to specified congressional committees a report which identifies Federal statutes, treaties, regulations, and policies which may have an adverse effect on commercial launches.

Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for FY 1985.

What just happenedOct 30, 1984

Became Public Law No: 98-575.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI-2](D-HI)Sponsor
49 cosponsors
Read on Congress.gov
2committees1related bills
Passed Senate amendedOct 9, 198435
(Measure passed Senate, amended)

Commercial Space Launch Act - Prohibits persons from launching a launch vehicle or operating a launch site within the United States (or, in the case of U.S. citizens, from outside the United States and outside the territory of a foreign nation) unless they are properly licensed; and (2) in the case of a license holder, launching a payload (an object placed in space) unless such payload complies with all requirements of Federal law.

Permits the Secretary of Transportation to issue or transfer such licenses to persons who meet the requirements of this Act. Sets forth certain conditions and procedures for licensing.

Permits the Secretary to suspend or revoke such licenses if it is found that the licensee has substantially failed to comply with specified requirements. Permits the Secretary to modify a license if such modification will result in compliance with this Act.

Permits the Secretary to terminate, prohibit, or suspend immediately any licensed operations if it is determined that such operations are detrimental to the public health and safety, safety of property, or the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. Provides for administrative and judicial review of such determinations.

Permits Federal officials to monitor the activities of licensees. Permits the use of Government property by such licensees and requires them to have liability insurance.

Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State on matters affecting national security and foreign policy, respectively.

Requires the Secretary, not later than the last day of each fiscal year ending after the date of enactment of this Act and before October 1, 1989, to submit to specified congressional committees a report describing activities undertaken pursuant to this Act and recommendations for legislation regarding commercial activities.

Requires the Secretary, not later than July 1, 1985, to submit to specified congressional committees a report which identifies Federal statutes, treaties, regulations, and policies which may have an adverse effect on commercial launches.

Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for FY 1985.

Reported to Senate with amendment(s)Oct 3, 198401
(Reported to Senate from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with amendment, S. Rept. 98-656)

Commercial Space Launch Act - Prohibits persons from launching a launch vehicle or operating a launch site within the United States (or, in the case of U.S. citizens, from outside the United States and outside the territory of a foreign nation) unless they are properly licensed; and (2) in the case of a license holder, launching a payload (an object placed in space) unless such payload complies with all requirements of Federal law.

Permits the Secretary of Transportation to issue or transfer such licenses to persons who meet the requirements of this Act. Sets forth certain conditions and procedures for licensing.

Permits the Secretary to suspend or revoke such licenses if it is found that the licensee has substantially failed to comply with specified requirements. Permits the Secretary to modify a license if such modification will result in compliance with this Act.

Permits the Secretary to terminate, prohibit, or suspend immediately any licensed operations if it is determined that such operations are detrimental to the public health and safety, safety of property, or the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. Provides for administrative and judicial review of such determinations.

Permits Federal officials to monitor the activities of licensees. Permits the use of Government property by such licensees and requires them to have liability insurance.

Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State on matters affecting national security and foreign policy, respectively.

Requires the Secretary, not later than the last day of each fiscal year ending after the date of enactment of this Act and before October 1, 1989, to submit to specified congressional committees a report describing activities undertaken pursuant to this Act and recommendations for legislation regarding commercial activities.

Requires the Secretary, not later than July 1, 1985, to submit to specified congressional committees a report which identifies Federal statutes, treaties, regulations, and policies which may have an adverse effect on commercial launches.

Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for FY 1985.

Passed House amendedJun 5, 198436
(Measure passed House, amended)

Commercial Space Launch Act - Prohibits persons from: (1) launching a launch vehicle or operating a launch site within the United States (or, in the case of U.S. citizens, from outside the United States) unless they are properly licensed; and (2) in the case of a license holder, launching a payload (an object to be placed in space) unless such payload complies with all requirements of Federal law. Directs the agency having primary authority under such Federal law to determine such compliance and to certify such determination to the Secretary of Transportation.

Authorizes the Secretary to issue or transfer such licenses to persons who meet the requirements of this Act. Sets forth certain conditions and procedures for licensing.

Permits the Secretary to suspend or revoke such licenses if it is found that the licensee has substantially failed to comply with specified requirements. Permits the Secretary to modify a license if such modification will result in compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate, prohibit, or suspend any licensed operations if it is determined that such operations are detrimental to the safety of life and property or to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. Provides for administrative and judicial review of such determinations.

Permits Federal officials to monitor the activities of licensees. Permits the use of Government property by such licensees and requires them to have liability insurance.

Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985-1989.

Requires the Secretary, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress a report describing activities undertaken pursuant to this Act and recommendations for legislation regarding commercial launch activities.

Reported to House with amendment(s)May 31, 198417
(Reported to House from the Committee on Science and Technology with amendment, H. Rept. 98-816)

Commercial Space Launch Act - Prohibits persons from: (1) launching a launch vehicle or operating a launch site within the United States (or, in the case of U.S. citizens, from outside the United States) unless they are properly licensed; and (2) in the case of a license holder, launching a payload (an object to be placed in space) unless such payload complies with all requirements of Federal law. Directs the agency having primary authority under such Federal law to determine such compliance and to certify such determination to the Secretary of Transportation.

Authorizes the Secretary to issue or transfer such licenses to persons who meet the requirements of this Act. Sets forth certain conditions and procedures for licensing.

Permits the Secretary to suspend or revoke such licenses if it is found that the licensee has substantially failed to comply with specified requirements. Permits the Secretary to modify a license if such modification will result in compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate, prohibit, or suspend any licensed operations if it is determined that such operations are detrimental to the safety of life and property or to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. Provides for administrative and judicial review of such determinations.

Permits Federal officials to monitor the activities of licensees. Permits the use of Government property by such licensees and requires them to have liability insurance.

Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985-1989.

Requires the Secretary, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress a report describing activities undertaken pursuant to this Act and recommendations for legislation regarding commercial launch activities.

Introduced in HouseSep 21, 198300

Expendable Launch Vehicle Commercialization Act - Prohibits persons from launching a space object from the territory of the United States (or, in the case of U.S. nationals, from international waters or air space as well) unless they are properly licensed. Sets criminal penalties for violation of this Act.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue such licenses. Sets forth certain conditions of and procedures for licensing. Requires license applicants to obtain liability insurance.

Permits the Secretary to suspend or revoke such licenses in specified circumstances.