Hello, Tech fans! Today we’re diving into the latest buzz in space policy that could shake up the industry.

At the end of 2024, President Trump promised to cut through red tape and boost the US space sector, promising faster launches and simpler licensing. This new executive order mandates agencies to streamline approval processes for space activities, including more efficient environmental reviews and quicker spaceport development.

The Department of Transportation is tasked with removing unnecessary rules on launch and reentry licenses, while the FAA will be encouraged to speed up environmental assessments and support innovations in the sector. A dedicated senior official will also promote deregulation and innovation. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department will establish a new process to approve emerging activities like in-space manufacturing and satellite refueling.

This bold move coincides with the dismissal of all members of the industry advisory group, COMSTAC, signaling a new direction for space policy. Industry players, including big names like SpaceX and Blue Origin, see this as a chance for faster project approvals and less bureaucratic delay. The trade association, Commercial Space Federation, lauded the move as a leap toward regulatory relief.

However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. The Center for Biological Diversity criticized the order, warning it risks ignoring essential environmental laws. Past challenges, like SpaceX’s Starship environmental reviews, highlight ongoing conflicts between industry growth and environmental protections. Legal hurdles could still slow implementation, and new advisory members will shape the policy’s future.

Overall, this move aims to make the US a more competitive space leader by accelerating regulations and allowing innovative projects to move faster, with mixed reactions from environmental advocates and industry alike.