VAI submits comments to FAA on spaceport siting, space launch airspace

Association recommends the agency engage vertical aviation operators, account for community impact, among other priorities.

By Amber Harrison

Space transportation is entering an exciting new phase of development. But other aviation operations that share the same airspace must be considered in planning the growth of commercial space travel. In that vein, on Oct. 26 VAI filed comments in response to the FAA’s request for information on siting new spaceports and establishing priority airspace for critical space launch corridors.

Our comments highlight three central recommendations:

• Identify existing vertical aviation operations before selecting spaceport sites. Many helicopter landing sites, routes, and operating areas are uncharted or missing from available datasets. So it’s essential to engage vertical aviation operators directly to assess the operational and economic impacts of spaceport siting.

• Define the scope and limits of space launch priority. Planned space launch corridors should be distinguished from active restricted corridors. Similarly, launch-related airspace closures and the duration of such closures should be limited in the interest of safety. Additionally, VAI recommends evaluating the cumulative effects of recurring launches and airspace restrictions.

• Plan for emergency access before corridor activation. Clear coordination procedures should be established in each space launch corridor for air ambulance, firefighting, search-and-rescue, and other urgent missions. Such procedures should include safe alternatives when launch or debris hazards prevent airspace access.

VAI supports the safe growth of commercial space transportation while ensuring that spaceport and airspace planning accounts for the communities and businesses that depend on vertical aviation.

Read VAI’s full comments here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FAA-2026-9736-0245.

Amber Harrison is VAI’s director of regulatory affairs.