[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 159 (Thursday, August 16, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 42999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-20638]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Air Force


Request for Input on Space Transportation Policy

AGENCY: Department of the Air Force, DoD.

ACTION: Request for Input on Space Transportation Policy.

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SUMMARY: The Air Force seeks input from the U.S. space sector regarding 
the future national direction of space launch bases and ranges 
including both Federal and non-Federal launch sites. Specifically, the 
Air Force is interested in comments concerning future development of 
launch bases and ranges, and policies that would have the potential of 
impacting the international competitiveness of the U.S. space launch 
industry.

DATES: Submit comments on or before September 17, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space), 
Space Policy, Plans, and Strategy (SAF/SXP), ATTN: Col Mushaw/Lt Col 
Kordell, 1640 Air Force Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20330-1640.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Col. Stan Mushaw, (703) 695-2318, or 
Lt. Col. Blaise Kordell, (703) 614-5368.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: In light of recent space transportation 
reviews (i.e., the report of the Interagency Working Group on ``The 
Future Management and Use of the U.S. Space Launch Bases and Ranges'' 
and the Secretary of the Air Force's Spacelift Task Force) and other 
efforts underway in the Department of Defense, the Air Force is 
interested in gathering state and industry input regarding space 
transportation issues needing national policy guidance as well as Air 
Force-specific policies, if any, that need to be updated or modified. 
Specifically, the Air Force wishes to examine launch base and range 
management issues, particularly policy, legal, and economic issues 
hindering and/or facilitating future access to space.
    The Air Force seeks input from the U.S. space sector (e.g., 
companies with an interest in U.S. commercial space activities, 
spaceports, launch vehicle and satellite manufacturers, launch and 
satellite services providers, base and range operations contractors, 
launch site operators, operators of commercial payload processing 
facilitates, etc.), academia, and other interested members of the 
public. The Air Force is also seeking the views of state and local 
governments, particularly as they relate to the operations of non-
Federal launch sites, commonly referred to as spaceports.
    Submissions should address your views regarding the future national 
direction of space launch bases and ranges including both Federal and 
non-Federal launch sites. Specifically, the Air Force is interested in 
comments concerning future development of launch bases and ranges and 
policies that would have the potential of impacting the international 
competitiveness of the U.S. space launch industry. Responses should 
describe specific impediments and potential actions that could 
facilitate future access to space. The Air Force is not requesting 
additional comments at this time on other initiatives of the U.S. 
Government for which the government has previously solicited comments 
including the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Commercial Space 
Transportation Licensing Regulations, Licensing and Safety Requirements 
for Launch, October 25, 2000 or comments regarding on-going range 
modernization efforts.

Janet A. Long,
Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-20638 Filed 8-15-01; 8:45 am]
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